Senior Manager, Internal Audit & Controls

Senior Manager, Internal Audit & Controls

K  is seeking a highly motivated and strategic Senior Manager to join our Audit & Advisory Services Department in Houston, TX. This role is responsible for providing independent assurance over the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls across financial, operational, and compliance processes.

Reporting to the VP of Audit & Advisory, the Senior Manager will partner closely with Finance, Operations, IT, and Executive Leadership to drive a strong control environment, support regulatory compliance, and identify opportunities for operational improvement and risk mitigation.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in SOX and internal audit with business acumen, leadership capability, and the ability to influence stakeholders across a dynamic engineering and consulting organization serving the energy sector.

• Assist with the annual risk‑based internal audit plan, including financial, operational, compliance, and strategic audits.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes across domestic and international operations.
• Develop audit scopes, risk assessments, testing strategies, and reporting deliverables in accordance with IIA standards and leading practices.
• Identify operational inefficiencies, fraud risks, and control gaps within engineering, project management, procurement, revenue recognition, and contract management processes.
• Provide advisory support on strategic initiatives, digital transformation, ERP implementations, cybersecurity risks, and process redesign efforts.
• Present audit findings, root cause analyses, and remediation recommendations to senior leadership.
• Monitor and validate remediation activities to ensure timely closure of audit findings and control deficiencies.
• Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the function, including automation, analytics, process optimization, and talent development.

• Support the Company’s SOX 404 compliance program, including scoping, risk assessment, walkthroughs, control documentation, review and oversight, deficiency evaluation, and remediation oversight.
• Oversee the design and operating effectiveness testing of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting, including:
  • Business process controls
  • IT general controls
  • Automated and application controls
• Coordinate closely with external auditors to support an efficient integrated audit approach.
• Advise business leaders on control design, process improvements, and risk mitigation strategies related to new systems, acquisitions, integrations, and transformation initiatives.
• Ensure alignment with COSO, PCAOB, SEC, and other regulatory requirements applicable to public companies.

• Lead, mentor, and develop internal audit staff.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships within Finance (Treasury, Internal Controls, Tax), Operations, IT, HR, Legal, and project leadership teams.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of management, including executive leadership and the Audit Committee.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance environment focused on integrity, accountability, and business partnership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• CPA, CIA, CISA, or CFE certifications strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, SOX compliance, risk advisory, or public accounting.
• 3+ years of leadership or people management experience, with a demonstrated ability to develop talent and lead teams.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) Section 404
  • ASC 606 Revenue Recognition Standard
  • COSO Internal Control Framework
  • Risk assessment methodologies
  • Internal audit standards and practices
• Experience working in a publicly traded company environment.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and ability to act as a trusted business partner.
• Executive presence with strong influencing and communication skills.
• Strong analytical,…