Associate Director of Internal Audit

Ruiz Foods, a family‑owned company since 1964 and one of the largest Hispanic‑owned businesses in the country, produces leading brands such as El Monterey frozen Mexican food and Tornado roller grill taquitos.

The Director of Internal Audit serves as the organization’s top audit executive, performing advanced professional internal auditing work and leading the audit program, enterprise risk management, and the Speak Up for Ruiz hotline.

• Direct audit staff through planning, execution, and reporting of internal audit operations in partnership with our co‑source audit partner firm.
• Identify and evaluate risk areas and oversee development of the annual audit plan.
• Direct audit procedures – identifying issues, defining criteria, reviewing evidence, documenting internal processes.
• Lead audit staff in developing audit findings and recommendations, communicating results to key stakeholders.
• Advance internal control improvement to achieve a “SOX Light” environment by Fiscal 2026.
• Communicate audit results via written reports and oral presentations to management and the Audit Committee.
• Maintain relationships across Ruiz Foods, fostering open communication and collaboration.
• Provide quarterly updates to CEO and CFO and monthly updates to the Audit Chair.
• Lead the enterprise risk management (ERM) process, monitor key risk indicators, and report quarterly to the Nominating & Governance Committee.
• Administer the Speak Up for Ruiz hotline with Legal, ensuring issues are closed through quarterly follow‑up meetings.
• Pursue professional development and share knowledge with team members.
• Represent internal audit at management and board meetings and with external organizations.
• Perform related work assigned by the Audit Committee.
• Support the CFO and VP, Controller with special projects and advisory work throughout the year.
• Travel domestically to plant locations or other sites approximately 25‑35% of the year.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as a CIA or CPA.
• Eight‑ten years of full‑time experience in auditing, accounting, business analysis, or program evaluation, including at least four years of supervisory or project‑management experience.
• Extensive knowledge and skill in applying internal audit and accounting principles in a fast‑paced, growing food manufacturing environment.
• Ability to advise on best business practices for control/process design.
• Knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards and experience implementing them with a roadmap to 2026.
• Knowledge of management information systems terminology, concepts, and practices, including cybersecurity and AI.
• Skill in understanding, documenting, and testing process flows and control points.
• Knowledge of industry policy, procedures, regulations, and laws.
• Skill in conducting quality‑control reviews of audit work products.
• Skill in collecting and analyzing complex data and drawing logical conclusions.
• Strong planning and project‑management skills and ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Skill in negotiating issues and resolving problems.
• Proficient computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and business software for reports and analyses.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, active listening, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build harmonious working relationships with co‑source partners, Ruiz team members, and external contacts.

• Experience leading audit procedures within a public accounting firm or industry, particularly in food manufacturing, including information systems, cybersecurity, and AI audits.
• Master’s degree in Accounting or related field; or alternative secondary certification such as CPA and CIA or CIA and CISA.
• Extensive familiarity with Audit Board (Ops Audit and Risk Oversight) and willingness to collaborate with IT on ITRM and Cross Comply modules.
• Prior experience with our preferred co‑source model for the internal audit department.

$170,000 – $180,000 per year DOE, Bonus eligible.