Senior Associate, Internal Audit

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

The Senior Associate, Internal Audit will support the internal audit function by conducting audit procedures, assessing risks, and assisting in the development of internal controls.

This role can be located in our Newark, DE office, Salt Lake City, UT office, or our Sterling, VA office with a planned move to Arlington, VA in Fall 2026.
 

What You'll Do

• Assist in the planning, execution, and documentation of internal audit procedures for financial, operational, and compliance audits.
• Identify and assess risks, control weaknesses, and process inefficiencies, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Document audit workpapers and findings in a clear and concise manner, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Collaborate with team members to develop comprehensive audit programs and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Participate in discussions with auditees to gather information, clarify audit observations, and assist in the development of corrective action plans.
• Monitor and track the implementation of audit recommendations, ensuring timely resolution of identified issues.
   

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.
 

What you have

Minimum: Indicate minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Strong knowledge of internal audit principles, methodologies, and standards.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, frameworks, and standards.
• Solid analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using audit software and Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred: Indicate “nice to haves” regarding education, skills, and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in internal audit, external audit, or a related field.
   

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

• Competitive base salaries 

• Bonus incentives 

• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed

• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 401k with employer match

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more

• Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance  

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs

• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware) 

• Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives

• Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs

• Career development and training opportunities

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