Senior Internal Auditor

The Company

First Wind is an independent wind energy company exclusively focused on the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of utility-scale wind energy projects in the United States. Based in Boston, First Wind has developed and currently operates wind energy projects in the Northeast, the West and Hawaii.  First Wind is committed to the communities it works with to achieve the most efficient and economic wind generation projects in North America. 

Job Purpose

The purpose of First Wind’s Internal Audit department is to provide objective and professional evaluations of First Wind and its operations and internal controls, and assist management in achieving goals and objectives.  The Senior Internal Auditor plans and conducts financial, operational and compliance audits to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of controls, accuracy of financial records, compliance with laws and regulations and efficiency of operations.

The Senior Internal Auditor works closely with all levels within the Company and with outside agencies as required and reports directly to the Director of Internal Audit. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to operate with independence and objectivity while planning and executing audits, internal control reviews, and other activities. First Wind’s dynamic environment creates additional responsibilities based on need and skill set.  

Principal Responsibilities

• Work with the Internal Audit Director to develop and execute the annual internal audit plan which includes financial, operational, compliance and IT audits to determine adherence to applicable regulations, accounting pronouncements and Company policies.

• Make practical and reasonable recommendations in the audit report to improve the control deficiencies or process related issues.

• Discuss audit findings and audit recommendations with line management and agree on implementation timeline. Monitor implementation of recommendations.

• Ensure that all audit work papers are complete and sufficient to support the conclusions presented in the reports.

• Examine business processes and controls for compliance with management plans and policies and evaluate whether controls provide management reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of the Company's operational, financial reporting and compliance objectives.

• Provide process owners and senior management with proactive/consulting reviews to help foster risk mitigation, best practices and process improvements throughout the Company.

• Assist in the review/evaluation of financial and operational policies and procedures as required.

• Assist in special projects such as mergers and acquisitions, fraud investigations, non-compliance with laws, regulations and management policies as requested.

• Ensure timely delivery of audit results and related deliverables within the cost budget.

• Ensure audits are performed in accordance with professional standards and department procedures.

• Facilitate internal control development, compliance and education.

• Provide assistance to external auditors and other third parties as required.

• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Accounting or Finance.  3-5 years of experience in public accounting and/or internal audit.   Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) preferred.  Energy experience preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of financial accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, proficiency in internal control standards.

• High degree of personal responsibility and judgment.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication (verbal & written) and presentation skills.

• Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers at all levels of the organization.

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as in a team.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint. Experience with Great Plains/Hyperion Essbase is a plus.

• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities; continually seeks way to improve individual/team efficiency and meet deadlines.

• Ability to travel up to 5% to sites and offices.