VP, Internal Audit

• Develop and execute an annual risk-based audit plan that includes US and International audits aligned with internal and external risks and company strategies. The audit plan addresses key business practices, financial processes and controls, operational areas, and information technology and related security activities, including tracking audit findings through to remediation.
• 3rd Party Audit Program: Develop and direct the conduct of audits of several key 3rd parties (e.g., vendors, distributors, collaborations, etc.). Oversee and coordinate 3rd party resources utilized in completing these audits.
• Provide an independent appraisal of controls over financial integrity, operational effectiveness, IT controls over core operations, security, privacy, and high availability, as well as compliance with pertinent laws and company policies

• Present to the Audit Committee at regular intervals, in person and telephonically.
• Communications include, but are not limited to, risk assessment and audit plan development, departmental goals, key themes and trends, performance against plan, specific audit reports, advisory projects, investigations, independence issues, and conformance with professional standards.
• Prepare concise and well-organized pre-read documentation in advance of meetings.

• Manage the Internal Audit function in conformance with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing established by the Institute of Internal Auditors, including, but not limited to:

• Maintaining independence and objectivity
• Establishing departmental strategy, annual goals, and budgets aligned with professional best practices and company priorities.
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate audit process methodologies, practices, and technology capabilities, and associated Quality Management program
• Ensuring audit resources (staff and budget) are appropriate, and efficiently and effectively deployed
• Maintains effective communication of audit results, audit plan status, and other issues to Executive Management
• Establishes and proactively maintains an appropriate organizational structure with respect to location, number, level, and competencies, as well as effective staff development and succession plans across all levels of staff

• Coordinate risk assessment and audit/monitoring coverages with key second-line assurance functions, such as Corporate Compliance, SOX Project Management Office, ERM, GxP, etc.
• Participate and provide advice and input into the company’s ERM program and annual risk assessment and reporting process.

• Coordinate financial internal controls testing plans with the Corporate Controller’s and Information Technology function and external auditors (PwC). Execute testing in a timely, high-quality, and cost-effective manner, enabling the highest level of reliance permissible by regulations/PwC in order to minimize redundancy and external audit fees.

• Participates, as appropriate, in an advisory or governance capacity while maintaining independence to committees (e.g., Corporate Compliance, Disclosure, ERM working group)
• At the direction of Legal, participates in investigations

• Excellent listening, verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Strong operational capability and sense of urgency to drive completion of audit plan and achievement of annual departmental initiatives
• Working knowledge of major business processes and compliance/risk issues related to the bio-pharmaceutical industry
• Solid understanding of U.S. GAAP, PCAOB, and IIA Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
• Strong technical internal audit skills, including IT audit and knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 and related financial control requirements
• Solid knowledge of governance, risk management, and compliance program frameworks
• Ability to interact collaboratively, yet objectively, with senior/executive level management and Board of Director members
• Ability to build solid, collaborative working relationships with auditees
• Ability to quickly assimilate relevant information in unfamiliar situations, identify issues, and root causes
• Superior analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Passion to continuously help improve operations and enhance/preserve shareholder value
• Sound judgment and ability to act independently
• High personal standards and professional ethics with a commitment to excellence

• BA/BS in Accounting or Finance
• 15+ years of diversified (i.e., audit and non-audit) experience required, including a minimum 8 years of public accounting and/or internal audit experience and 5 years of relevant industry experience
• Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
• Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
• Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
• A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
• Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
• 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
• Employee Resource Groups participation

Biogen