Senior Internal Auditor III

City:
Irvine, State:
California.

Job Location:

Irvine Regional Office (Derian). Position Type:
Regular. The Senior Internal Auditor III plays a key role in strengthening the organization’s control environment and supporting business excellence across corporate and property operations.

• Plan, schedule, and independently execute audits across property, corporate, and operational functions using a risk‑based approach.
• Lead Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) planning, walkthroughs, control testing, and documentation in support of compliance requirements.
• Develop, assess, and update risk‑based audit plans aligned with business objectives and emerging risks.
• Prepare clear, concise internal audit reports that articulate findings, risks, and actionable recommendations for internal control and process improvements.
• Partner with corporate and operational stakeholders to identify practical solutions and drive meaningful process enhancements.
• Partner in the evaluation, implementation, and ongoing use of new and existing audit technologies to drive efficiencies, enhance audit coverage, and improve insight across internal audit activities.
• Serve as a key liaison for external auditors by providing audit support, documentation, and coordination as needed.
• Assist with special projects, investigations, and Audit Committee or senior management requests.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and leading audit practices while maintaining all required professional certifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of progressive internal or public audit experience, including demonstrated ownership of audit engagements from planning through reporting.
• 3+ years of hands‑on Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) experience, including control design assessment, walkthroughs, testing, issue evaluation, and remediation support.
• CPA and/or CIA strongly preferred.
• Industry experience within real estate, property management, or a similarly regulated environment is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience or interest in leveraging data analytics, audit automation, and emerging audit technologies to drive efficiency.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities, adapting quickly to change, and meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated comfort operating in a collaborative, cross‑functional setting that requires frequent interaction with diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive, solution‑oriented mindset with the ability to identify issues, exercise sound judgment, and continuously improve processes.

• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into clear, actionable insights.
• Polished written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present audit findings and recommendations confidently to varied audiences.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and problem‑solving capability, with a consistent focus on quality and accuracy.
• Commitment to delivering timely, professional, and value‑added service while building trusted relationships across the organization.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze financial, operational, and policy‑related documentation with confidence and sound judgment.

Hybrid work arrangement with in‑person office requirements a minimum of four days per week (Monday through Thursday) at Essex’s corporate offices in Woodland Hills or Irvine.

Full‑time regular associates are offered competitive salaries ranging from $107,000 to $135,000 per year, benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer match, wellness programs, and a 20% housing discount. 12 paid holidays, 15 PTO days, and an optional annual bonus program are also provided.