Internal Auditor

Permanent employee, Full-time · Moreira da Maia, Portugal

Introduction

At HeiQ (www.heiq.com, LSE:HEIQ), we are on a mission to improve the lives of billions of people by “heiqing” materials. Since our inception as spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) in 2005, we have created some of the most effective, durable and high-performing technologies on the market today. Over 300 brands like Burberry, Zara, Burton, Patagonia, Speedo, The North Face, Hugo Boss, or Vans sell products with our technologies inside. This makes every-day products more functional, more comfortable and more sustainable – and has won us 18 awards that we are proud of.
 
HeiQ combines the flexibility and dynamism of a young and customer-oriented company with the professionalism of an international, UK stock market listed player. To bring our growing spectrum of marketing initiative to life, we are looking for a:

Internal Auditor (100%)

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Internal Auditor to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of our financial and operational processes, adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct and quality. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage diverse stakeholders. The person will be based in the HeiQ Iberia office in Moreira da Maia, Portugal.

Your responsibilities

First phase:
Leading the Implementation of the Internal Control Environment:
- Leading the implementation project of the revised Global Internal Processes and Controls, alongside the Finance Global Process Owner and the wider Finance and Business teams
- Providing support for the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management governance and framework.
- Engaging with key stakeholders to identify pain points and develop alternative routes to ensure a seamless implementation process.
- Reviewing, conducting design tests, and adjusting the implemented processes and controls to align with HeiQ's organizational structure and objectives.

Second phase:
Planning and Conducting Audits:
- Develop and implement the Annual Audit Plan, allocating the necessary resources and budget for internal audit activities, and ensuring that it is oriented to risk and aligns with strategic organizational goals.
- Conduct thorough risk assessments to spot control weaknesses, and provide recommendations for enhancements.
- Execute audit procedures, including fieldwork and audit tests, to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the processes, governance and internal controls.
- Scrutinize financial statements and accounting practices for precision and adherence to established standards and legal requisites.
- Maintain thorough documentation of audit procedures, workpapers, and evidences.

Reporting and Communication:
- Develop detailed audit reports which identify audit results, including findings, underlying root causes, as well as providing recommendations to mitigate/address deficiencies while adding value.
- Present audit outcomes and insights to audit stakeholders and adequate reporting lines, influencing informed decision-making.
- Propose and advocate for strategic internal control enhancements and processual optimizations.
- Monitor, follow-up and verify the efficacy of management's response and the implementation of audit recommendations.

Compliance and Regulations:
- Verify organization adherence to both internal policy frameworks and external legal and regulatory obligations and standards.
- Stay abreast of legislative changes with potential operational impact, integrating compliance into audit strategies.

Advisory Services:
- Offer expert advice, as requested by internal stakeholders, particularly on fortifying internal processes, governance and strategic planning.
- Provide strategic counsel on financial stewardship and risk management frameworks.

Special Projects:
- Undertake special inquiries and evaluations as commissioned by senior management, Audit Committee or the Board, addressing emergent issues with precision and insight.

You are

Good Communicator: Ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to various stakeholders.
Ethical Conduct and Integrity Oriented: Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and integrity in all audits.
Quality Oriented: Focus on delivering high-quality audit reports and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
Detail Focused: Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring thorough and accurate audit processes.
Stakeholder Management: Effective in managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Adaptable: Flexibility to adapt to changing organizational needs and regulatory environments.
Problem Solving Oriented: Proactive in identifying issues and providing practical solutions.
People Development Centered: Supportive of team development and continuous improvement.
Strategic Visioned: Ability to align audit processes with the strategic objectives of the organization.

You bring

Project Management: Ability to manage audit projects efficiently from planning to reporting.
IIA Standards: Proficient in the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
Audit Methodologies and Techniques: Skilled in various audit methodologies and techniques.
Internal Control Evaluation: Expertise in evaluating and improving internal controls.
Monitoring and Follow-up of Internal Audit: Capability to monitor and ensure the follow-up of audit recommendations.
Risk Assessment: Proficient in identifying and assessing organizational risks.
Analytical Capacity: Strong analytical skills to interpret and analyze complex data.
Microsoft Office: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Accounting Knowledge: Solid understanding of accounting principles and practices.
Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
IT/ERP Proficiency: Proficient in using IT and ERP systems for audit processes.
5+ years of previous experience in internal auditing, external auditing, internal controls, and/or risk management.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) may be preferred

We offer

A chance to step up, take responsibility, and make a difference in shaping HeiQ’s global growth story.
A fantastic team and a diverse, inclusive, meritocratic culture.
Performance-based employment conditions.
An exciting work pace and a flat hierarchy.
The possibility to split your work between our office and home-office.

Interested?

Does that sound like a great challenge to you? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application in English including motivation letter, CV, working references, certificates and salary expectation. Only suitable candidates will be contacted. Applications of Non-EU/EFTA Citizens without valid work permit for the EU cannot be considered. We will be in touch as soon as possible.

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About us

HeiQ is a three-in-one company: Scientific research, Specialty materials manufacturing and Consumer ingredient branding, all for improving the lives of billions of people by adding functionalities to all kinds of materials. HeiQ is a leader in textile innovation creating some of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies in the market today.

Founded in 2005 during a hike in the Swiss Alps
Listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market (LSE:HEIQ) since 2020
Founders: Carlo Centonze & Dr. Murray Height
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) spin-off
More than 200 professionals of 30 nationalities in 13 countries on 5 continents
Boundless academic research network and internal development specialists
Today, PhD’s around the world are working on HeiQ projects
Swiss headquarters with subsidiaries in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and USA
35,000 tonnes per year manufacturing capacity in its sites in Switzerland, Australia & USA

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We are looking forward to hearing from you!

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