Senior Audit Associate

Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 diversified and vertically integrated agribusiness and ocean transportation company, currently has an opening for Senior Associate Audit Services. This position is located in Merriam, Kansas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the SR VP Audit Services and SR Director Audit Services in providing a comprehensive, practical program of annual Internal Audit coverage over assigned business segments.
• Plan the objectives and scope of each audit and prepare audit work programs to be used during the engagement for achievement of stated objectives. Compile Planning Memo’s with comprehensive plan for review/audit area.
• Plan review of audit objectives with the SR Director Audit Services and/or SR VP Audit Services.
• The Auditor’s value to management is largely based upon their ability to support audit observations and analysis based on sufficient, appropriate audit evidence. The Auditor must obtain, analyze, and evaluate audit evidence in order to cast an informed, objective opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the activities being reviewed, including independent research of US GAAP, Internal Control best practices, company policies, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Prepare detailed workpapers to support audit observations and analysis, as well as provide information for future audit work. Each audit must be performed in a manner consistent with the IIA International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
• Make oral and written presentations to management during the audit as needed, including at interim periods to address urgent questions/issues, as well as at the conclusion of the audit to discuss deficiencies and recommend corrective action.
• Through a written audit report, communicate audit findings and process improvement opportunities and make recommendations for correcting unsatisfactory conditions, improving operations, and reducing cost.
• The Auditor must effectively communicate all audit concerns and issues prior to issuing the audit report.
• Appraise the adequacy of the corrective action taken by local management to improve deficient conditions. In cases where the Auditor does not feel sufficient corrective action is being taken, the Auditor is responsible for facilitating the actions necessary for improvement.
• Maintain open and effective working relationships with local management and continuously increase knowledge and familiarity of operations at Seaboards' various companies.
• Perform urgent and unique reviews and projects as requested by Senior Management.
• Maintain open communication with the SR Director Audit Services and SR VP Audit Services, as well as local management for the effective and timely performance of the Auditor’s responsibility.
• Planning, scheduling, and performing SOX internal control testing to comply with regulatory standards and produce work to be relied upon by Division Management, Corporate Management, and External Auditors.
• Planning, scheduling, and coordinating with External Audit to assist with the performance of substantive to help reduce overall audit fees.
• Assist Corporate Management in ongoing quarterly requirements to ensure accuracy of filings and compliance documentation.
• Coordination with management regarding testing timing for SOX controls to meet internal and external deadlines. Ensure adherence to external auditor schedule.
• Provide ongoing consulting to affiliates while representing Seaboard Corporation in a highly competent, professional manner.
• Supervise and review the work of Audit Interns and staff while providing mentorship and guidance.
• Through Partnership with SAS Management, organize and attend regular continuing education programs for both certification maintenance and ongoing education on emerging trends in related accounting, auditing, and business areas relevant to audits done.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required.
• Master’s degree in Accounting is preferred.
• 2+ years of either Big 4 Accounting Firm, Large International, or National Firm experience or applicable corporate experience.
• CPA, CIA and CFE is preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required. 
• Fluency in Spanish and/or French is a plus. 
• The Internal Audit Department is a team in which all members share the responsibility to fulfill the annual audit plan and build relationships with management at all levels of the organization. Superior organizational skills are inherently necessary for the successful administration of the Internal Audit function.  
• Must have superior analytical skills. Must possess a high degree of interpersonal skills that include effective communication, persuasiveness, tact, etc. 
• Requires absolute discretion when dealing with confidential and privileged information. 
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 25%, Domestic and International. 

DIRECT REPORTS

No direct reports; works in a supervisory capacity to associates and interns

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Includes a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to manipulate, handle or touch. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.