ABOUT CENTRAL BANCOMPANY
Central Bancompany is a relationship-focused financial organization committed to serving customers, communities, and employees with integrity, accountability, and long-term vision. Through a strong culture of service, operational excellence, and local decision-making, we have built a reputation as a trusted financial partner across the markets we serve.
Our Internal Audit Department is recognized for its strong governance and assurance foundation, appropriate independence, and strong credibility among executive management. This position offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished audit executive to build upon that foundation while helping shape the future of the function and the organization.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Audit Executive (CAE) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Internal Audit function. This executive leader is responsible for maintaining an independent, objective assurance and consulting function designed to add value and improve the Bank's operations through effective governance, risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
The ideal candidate will bring significant banking audit leadership experience, preferably from a financial institution of similar or greater size and complexity, and will be energized by the opportunity to strengthen audit capabilities, support enterprise growth, advance technology enablement, and develop the next generation of audit talent.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all Internal Audit activities, ensuring independence, objectivity, and compliance with professional standards and regulatory expectations.
- Develop, execute, and maintain a comprehensive risk-based audit plan designed to evaluate governance, risk management, internal controls, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance throughout the organization.
- Report audit results, emerging risks, and significant control matters to executive management, providing meaningful insight and recommendations.
- Assess opportunities for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function, including audit methodologies, resource utilization, technology adoption, and reporting practices.
- Lead the continued maturation of risk-based planning, technology enablement, audit reporting, and talent management programs.
- Support acquisition and growth strategies by assisting the evolution of Internal Audit toward a more enterprise-wide approach that promotes consistency, scalability, and comprehensive risk visibility.
- Institute a measured and practical approach to artificial intelligence adoption and other emerging technologies within the audit function.
- Analyze and recommend investments in personnel, technology, audit methodologies, and operational processes necessary to support organizational scalability and future growth.
- Develop, mentor, and lead audit personnel while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, professional development, and operational excellence.
- Maintain effective relationships with executive management, regulators, and external auditors while preserving Internal Audit's independence and objectivity.
- Monitor changes in banking regulations, accounting guidance, emerging risks, and industry best practices and incorporate them into departmental strategies and audit activities.
Preferred Qualifications
Core Qualifications, Education and Experience
Position Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
- CPA, CIA, or comparable professional certification required.
- Extensive audit, accounting, risk management, or regulatory experience with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience leading an Internal Audit function within a financial institution, preferably a bank of comparable or larger size and complexity.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, business processes, risk management practices, internal controls, governance frameworks, and banking regulations.
- Proven ability to identify and evaluate complex risks, analyze data, and communicate recommendations effectively to senior leadership.
- Exceptional oral, written, presentation, and relationship management skills.
- Valid driver's license required and ability to travel periodically to Bank locations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading audit transformation, modernization, or technology enablement initiatives.
- Experience supporting acquisitions, organizational growth, or enterprise-wide operating models.
- Experience leveraging data analytics, automation, and emerging technologies to improve audit effectiveness.
- Jefferson City, Missouri location is strongly preferred. Relocation may be required for external candidates not currently located in the Jefferson City area.
- Experience at financial institutions of similar or larger size and complexity is strongly preferred.
Additional Requirements
Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality are required for this position. Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
- CPA, CIA, or comparable professional certification
- Extensive audit, accounting, risk management, or regulatory experience with demonstrated leadership responsibility
- Experience leading an Internal Audit function within a financial institution (preferably similar or larger size)
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, business processes, risk management, internal controls, governance frameworks, and banking regulations
- Proven ability to identify and evaluate complex risks, analyze data, and communicate recommendations to senior leadership
- Exceptional oral, written, presentation, and relationship management skills
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel periodically to Bank locations
- Advanced degree (preferred)
- Experience leading audit transformation, modernization, or technology enablement initiatives (preferred)
- Experience supporting acquisitions, organizational growth, or enterprise-wide operating models (preferred)
- Experience leveraging data analytics, automation, and emerging technologies to improve audit effectiveness (preferred)
- Located in or willing to relocate to Jefferson City, Missouri (strongly preferred)
- Experience at financial institutions of similar or larger size and complexity (preferred)
Central Bank Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Central Bank and has not been reviewed or approved by Central Bank.
-
Retirement Support — A two-part 401(k) combines a 50% match on the first 6% contributed with an automatic 4% nonelective employer contribution, with auto-enrollment and auto-escalation. Employer funds vest on a graded schedule reaching 100% at five years.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO for full-time staff starts at 18 days per year and increases with service up to 27 days, and the organization follows the Federal Reserve holiday schedule. Part-time employees accrue PTO on a pro‑rata basis.
-
Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage are offered with eligibility typically beginning the first of the month after hire, alongside HSA and FSA options. Life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability plus an EAP enhance health and protection.
Central Bank Insights
What We Do
Central Bank is a privately held $20 billion bank headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri. Serving 13 markets in 8 states. Central Bank specializes in community banking, with a particular focus on delivering leading-edge technology through its network of more than 150 facilities operating in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma, as well as more than 22,000 ATMs nationwide. Member FDIC. "Strong Roots. Endless Possibilities." reflects our long-standing commitment to the communities we serve, as well as our commitment to delivering high-quality, leading-edge financial products and services that help our customers and communities grow and succeed. As our product and service offerings continue to expand, we assure you that our commitment to the community will only grow stronger. All of our lending decisions are made locally in the community you live. Equal Opportunity Employer–minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.
