Sr. Internal Auditor

About the Team

Our INTERNAL AUDIT team provides Pet Smart a value-add service to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of management processes, internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. We also provide advice and counsel concerning new systems, initiatives, and services under development from an internal control, information security, and data integrity perspective.

Collaborative Work Environment:At Pet Smart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

Position Summary

Pet Smart’s Internal Audit team is seeking an experienced, motivated, and detail-oriented Senior Internal Auditor to support and lead the execution of the Company’s internal audit and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance activities. In this position, you will conduct SOX testing, plan and perform operational audits, partner with business stakeholders, and deliver practical recommendations that strengthen controls and improve company across a dynamic retail environment.

In this position, you will work with a highly motivated and collaborative Audit team while developing a broad understanding of retail operations, financial processes, and risk management practices. You will partner with cross-functional business stakeholders and leadership to evaluate risks and controls, communicate results, and identify opportunities that add value across the organization.

Responsibilities Include (but not limited to):

• Plan, perform, and lead assigned audit and SOX testing activities in accordance with the annual audit plan, including coordinating audit procedures, communicating results, and providing guidance to other audit team members as appropriate.
• Communicate audit findings, observations, and recommendations clearly and effectively to management.
• Prepare audit programs, work papers, and support for audit procedures and conclusions in accordance with department methodology and professional standards.

• Apply critical thinking and professional skepticism to identify risks and control deficiencies, analyze issues, assess implications, draw conclusions, and recommend practical recommendations that strengthen controls and improve business processes.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with control owners, business leaders, and other partners throughout the organization.
• Support external auditor coordination efforts related to SOX testing.

• Plan, perform, and supervise operational, financial, and compliance audits, as assigned, across corporate functions, distribution centers, and store operations.
• Conduct process walkthroughs, risk assessments, and control design evaluations to assess process effectiveness, identify key risks, and determine whether appropriate controls are established and operating as intended.
• Partner with audit team members to share knowledge, support testing, and promote cross-functional development and integrated audit coverage.

• Perform special projects, investigations, and management requests, and serve as a department liaison to business functions, control owners, and other business partners as directed by Internal Audit management.

• Develop an understanding of Pet Smart’s retail environment, operations, and strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of professional standards, SOX requirements, regulatory changes, emerging risks, and retail industry trends.

• Travel 15 – 25%, including periodic visits to stores, distribution centers, and other operating locations.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in internal audit, public accounting, SOX compliance, or related experience.
• Familiarity with internal control frameworks, professional audit standards, risk assessment practices, and related guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, perform, and…