Executive Director, Audit
Merck
2 months ago
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Corporate Functions
Primary Responsibilities:
- Partner with the Vice President and audit peers to design and implement an annual risk-based audit plan aligned with enterprise strategy.
- Prepare and present clear, concise audit reports that summarize findings, implications, and recommended actions.
- Lead and direct multiple concurrent high-risk and complex audits from scoping through reporting and follow-up; ensure timely completion and appropriate escalation.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders: communicate findings diplomatically and foster collaborative relationships.
- Monitor and evaluate application of audit standards, control frameworks, and regulatory requirements; identify and report non-conformances.
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain top talent; build a high-performing audit team.
- Promote a culture of ethics, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee internal training and professional development programs; ensure relevant certifications and technical skills.
- Support administrative and operational activities for the Corporate Audit and Assurance Services group.
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed (estimated up to 15%).
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).
Required Experience and Skills:
- Broad experience across risk management, finance, IT and/or internal audit with demonstrated interaction with senior leadership.
- Proven track record leading and executing complex, high-risk audit engagements.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills for executive audiences.
- Leadership, high ethical standards, sound judgment, and integrity.
- Results-driven; focus teams on critical performance metrics.
- Innovative mindset with a history of process improvements and technology use.
- Willingness to travel up to 15% and work on-site in Rahway 3 days per week.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Experience leading, developing, and coaching high-performing audit teams.
- Professional audit/control certifications (CPA, CISA, CIA, CMA, CFE).
- Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and broader business compliance program experience.
- Big Four public accounting experience.
Core Competencies:
- Strategic risk orientation; audit methodology and control frameworks; stakeholder management/executive presence; project & program management; communication and influence; ethics/integrity/objectivity; continuous improvement/innovation; technical knowledge (accounting standards, internal controls, ITGCs, data analytics preferred).
Required Skills:
- Accounting applications, budget preparation, client management, coaching, contract audits, ethical standards, financial analysis, internal audit development, international mobility, people leadership, personal initiative, preparation of financial reports, report writing, tax return analysis.
Application Instructions:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Benefits (if applicable):
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
- Partner with the Vice President and audit peers to design and implement an annual risk-based audit plan aligned with enterprise strategy.
- Prepare and present clear, concise audit reports that summarize findings, implications, and recommended actions.
- Lead and direct multiple concurrent high-risk and complex audits from scoping through reporting and follow-up; ensure timely completion and appropriate escalation.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders: communicate findings diplomatically and foster collaborative relationships.
- Monitor and evaluate application of audit standards, control frameworks, and regulatory requirements; identify and report non-conformances.
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain top talent; build a high-performing audit team.
- Promote a culture of ethics, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee internal training and professional development programs; ensure relevant certifications and technical skills.
- Support administrative and operational activities for the Corporate Audit and Assurance Services group.
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed (estimated up to 15%).
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).
Required Experience and Skills:
- Broad experience across risk management, finance, IT and/or internal audit with demonstrated interaction with senior leadership.
- Proven track record leading and executing complex, high-risk audit engagements.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills for executive audiences.
- Leadership, high ethical standards, sound judgment, and integrity.
- Results-driven; focus teams on critical performance metrics.
- Innovative mindset with a history of process improvements and technology use.
- Willingness to travel up to 15% and work on-site in Rahway 3 days per week.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Experience leading, developing, and coaching high-performing audit teams.
- Professional audit/control certifications (CPA, CISA, CIA, CMA, CFE).
- Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and broader business compliance program experience.
- Big Four public accounting experience.
Core Competencies:
- Strategic risk orientation; audit methodology and control frameworks; stakeholder management/executive presence; project & program management; communication and influence; ethics/integrity/objectivity; continuous improvement/innovation; technical knowledge (accounting standards, internal controls, ITGCs, data analytics preferred).
Required Skills:
- Accounting applications, budget preparation, client management, coaching, contract audits, ethical standards, financial analysis, internal audit development, international mobility, people leadership, personal initiative, preparation of financial reports, report writing, tax return analysis.
Application Instructions:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Benefits (if applicable):
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.