Internal Auditor

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Overview

As a key member of the Accounting and Finance team, the Internal Auditor is responsible for conducting audits to ensure franchisee fees paid to American Dairy Queen (ADQ) are accurate and comply with contractual agreements. This role also verifies franchisee compliance with corporate policies, including trademark usage and consistency in product composition, preparation, presentation, and distribution. The Internal Auditor will provide cross-functional support on key projects, leveraging strong business, finance, and accounting expertise.

Principal Accountabilities

• Execute assigned franchise audits, compile and analyze data, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate completion.
• Verify accuracy of fees paid by franchisees and assess compliance with contractual provisions.
• Analyze franchisee data and apply brand knowledge to reconstruct hypothetical sales based on product purchase volumes.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with franchisees to present audit findings and recommend improvements for compliance and business performance.
• Manage and approve testing procedures, applying functional expertise to ensure accuracy and integrity in accounting and operational practices.
• Negotiate and collect additional royalties and advertising fees owed to ADQ, handling challenging conversations with professionalism and trust-building.
• Review and interpret franchise agreements, clearly explaining terms to franchisees or their representatives in alignment with ADQ policies.
• Protect the Dairy Queen brand by ensuring proper trademark usage and adherence to approved products, recipes, and preparation standards.
• Recommend and implement process improvements, including audit procedures and information systems enhancements.
• Document and maintain departmental procedures for reference and training purposes.
• Promote continuous improvement, quality, and adherence to DQ Core Values across teams and communities.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

The US national salary for this role is $$73,140 to $87,768. The range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location, and relevant education or experience.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant auditing or accounting experience.
• Prior restaurant experience (3 years preferred).
• Proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools.
• Experience within a franchisor organization preferred.
• Strong creative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present audit results clearly.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills for managing multiple projects.
• Skilled negotiator with conflict resolution capabilities.
• Ability to travel up to 10% annually for store audits and work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Knowledge of restaurant operations and ability to collaborate with Operations, R&D, and Legal teams.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 3 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.