Principal, Internal Audit

Now Brewing – principal, Internal Audit! #tobeapartner

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

The principal, Internal Audit plays a key leadership role in strengthening the organization’s control environment, risk management practices, and governance processes. This role leads the execution of the internal audit plan, delivers high-quality assurance and advisory services, and partners with stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks while improving business performance. The principal operates as both a strategic leader and hands‑on audit professional, influencing change and driving continuous improvement across the audit function.

• Lead end-to-end execution of complex internal audit engagements (financial, operational, compliance, IT, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), or integrated audits), including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
• Ensure audits are completed on time, within scope, and aligned to professional standards (e.g., IIA Standards).
• Review and approve audit work papers, findings, and final reports for quality, accuracy, and clarity.
• Identify control gaps, root causes, and actionable recommendations to strengthen the control environment.

• Support development and execution of a risk-based internal audit plan aligned to enterprise priorities.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify key focus areas and emerging risks.
• Adjust audit coverage in response to changes in business strategy, systems, or regulatory requirements.

• Set clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage resource allocation across multiple concurrent audit engagements.

• Build strong relationships with senior management, business leaders, and cross-functional partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by providing insights on risk, controls, and process improvements.
• Communicate audit results and risk implications clearly and persuasively.
• Partner with external auditors and regulators as needed.

• Drive improvements in audit methodology, tools, and processes.
• Leverage data analytics, automation, and technology to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for continuous monitoring and more proactive, insight-driven auditing.

• Ensure audit activities align with internal policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor management action plans and validate remediation of audit findings.
• Support Audit Committee reporting, as applicable.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading complex audits and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong knowledge of SOX/internal controls, risk assessment, and audit methodologies.

• Experience in a complex, global, or publicly traded organization.
• Experience with data analytics, automation, and continuous auditing techniques.
• Exposure to SOX compliance, IT audit, or operational audits.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Professional certification(s): CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE or equivalent.

• Strategic thinking with strong execution capability.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder influence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results.
• High degree of integrity, objectivity, and professional skepticism.

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short‑term and long‑term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement,…