Director of Professional Practice

The SouthState story is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings in the 1930s to becoming a trusted financial partner across the South and beyond - we are known for combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions.

We are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships and pursuing excellence. At SouthState, individual contributions are recognized, potential is cultivated and team members are inspired to achieve their greater purpose. Your future begins here!

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

The Director of Professional Practice will be a key member of Internal Audit's management team. Reporting to the Chief Audit Executive, the Director of Professional Practice will be Internal Audit's leader responsible for measures designed to assure quality and consistency in Audit services delivered by the department.

These areas include governance, internal and external quality, knowledge and skills assessment and specialization, industry standards, internal quality and performance metrics, issue validation, training, on-boarding, customer feedback, and vendor oversight. The position will also serve in supporting regulatory response and management liaison as needed

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assess Internal Audit resources; identify and communicate to the Chief Auditor any shortfalls on resource availability or suitability to meet Internal Audit Plan
• Coordinate, document, communicate, and provide training on changes to Internal Audit Policies and Procedures
• Assist in development and monitoring of Internal Audit key performance indicators (KPI)
• Review reported audit issues for appropriate attribute categorization, and analyze reported issues for themes and trends (i.e., mine system data), interface with responsible managers to assure timely resolution.
• Develop, execute and continuously improve internal and external quality assurance programs aligned with IIA and industry best practices; Provide oversight of the IAD's Quality Assurance & Improvement Program
• Interact extensively with the IAD management to establish methodology and protocols; as appropriate communicate relevant changes/refreshers to IAD staff
• Proactively keep Chief Auditor and IAD staff informed of emerging trends, developments and practices affecting the Internal Audit profession
• Act as a liaison for regulatory examination of the IAD for areas relating to professional practice
• Assist in the preparation of the IAD Audit Committee meeting presentation as requested
• Focus on continuous improvement opportunities on IAD's work paper system utilization
• Assess feedback solicited from auditees and devise responsive improvement or assurance strategies
• Oversee training plans and budgets to assure appropriate quality of resources, and attainment of necessary certifications.
• Maintain documents regarding staff qualifications, including resumes, training, certifications, specializations, and all related summarizations for review by regulators and Audit Committee
• Monitor and assure necessary independence of staff, and ensure relevant attestations are captured for Committee reporting.
• Manage the process for outsourced audits in conjunction with the appropriate Audit Manager including due diligence over vendor selection, documentation, as well as proper oversight of vendors to ensure appropriate staffing, scope, workpaper completion, reporting, and compliance with Audit Department standards.
• Promotion and execution of Audit Department initiatives including, but not limited to, Audit Methodology and Quality Assurance.
• Recruit and retain Audit Department staff.
• Ongoing and coaching to Audit Department team.
• Provides technical guidance to personnel on issues or questions related to audit delivery.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the entire Internal Audit team

OTHER DUTIES

• Accepts other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Unquestionable ethics, integrity, and values.
• High level of energy, passion, and commitment to excellence.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including creativity and innovative thinking combined with a willingness to challenge the status quo and act as a "change agent."
• Highly professional with strong interpersonal skills.
• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the IT field.

Qualifications, Education, and Certification Requirements

• Education: An undergraduate degree in Accounting or a related business discipline is required. Graduate education such as Masters in Accounting or Business Administration is considered a plus.
• Experience: 15 years of financial services auditing experience including at least 10 years in a managerial capacity. Proven experience managing audit teams
• Certifications/Specific Knowledge: An active professional certification in at least one area (e.g., CIA, CPA, CBA, CISA, CFSA, CTA, etc.) is expected.
  • STRONG KNOWLEDGE OF PRODUCTS, ISSUES, RISKS, AND THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT RELATED TO FINANCIAL SERVICES.
  • STRONG KNOWLEDGE OF MANAGEMENT/INTERNAL CONTROL BEST PRACTICES.
  • PROVEN EXPERIENCE MANAGING AUDIT TEAMS.
  • ABILITY TO INFLUENCE WITHOUT DIRECT AUTHORITY.
  • ABILITY TO MANAGE MULTIPLE, COMPETING PRIORITIES.
  • STRONG KNOWLEDGE OF THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS (IIA) PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES FRAMEWORK
  • KNOWLEDGE OF COMMITTEE OF SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS (COSO) INTERNAL CONTROL AND ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS
  • WORKING UNDERSTANDING OF REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION (E.G.,OCC, FDIC, FEDERAL RESERVE, ETC.)
  • EXPERIENCE IN ALL MAJOR ELEMENTS OF THE INTERNAL AUDIT PRACTICE (E.G., AUDIT PLANNING AND EXECUTION, ANNUAL RISK ASSESSMENT, AUDIT PLAN DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT REPORTING, ISSUE FOLLOW-UP, ETC.) IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY
  • EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS WITH PROVEN EXPERIENCE BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
  • BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

Required annual compliance training; New Employee Orientation

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to effectively access and interpret information on computer screens, documents, reports, and cash denominations, and identify customers. This position requires a large amount of time in front of a computer. This can be done sitting or standing with use of the right desk. This position may require bending and reaching.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Telecommuting roles no matter if hybrid or 100% full time telecommuting must have a secure home office environment that is free from background noise and distractions. They must also have a reliable private internet connection that is not supplied by use of cellular data (hot spot). Cable or fiber connections are preferred. Requirements are subject to change, as new systems and technology is delivered. Travel may be required to come to meetings as needed.

Benefits | SouthState Careers

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled/veterans.