Lead, Internal Audit

About the Role

The Lead Internal Auditor plays a critical role in providing independent, objective assurance across the Bridgestone West region, covering both Bridgestone Americas and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East, and Africa business units. The role leads complex audit engagements, works closely with management across functions, and supports the Internal Audit leadership team in strengthening risk management, controls, and governance.

Job Purpose

The Lead Internal Auditor is responsible for leading Operational, Financial, and Compliance audits across Bridgestone West, with a specific focus on one of the West Internal Audit divisions. Using established audit methodologies, the role identifies risks, vulnerabilities, and control weaknesses, and recommends corrective and preventative actions that drive operational efficiency, profit improvement, and risk mitigation.

The role reports to the Division Internal Audit Manager or Senior Manager and acts as a key partner to management by providing insights into key initiatives, emerging risks, and control effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Audit Execution & Leadership

• Lead risk‑based audits in line with regulatory requirements and corporate standards
• Plan audits, perform control walkthroughs and testing, document procedures, and report results
• Verify accuracy and integrity of accounting records and safeguard company best practices
• Review, analyse, and interpret data from multiple sources to support audit procedures
• Draft audit reports addressing key findings and recommendations

Risk Identification & Improvement

• Identify risks, controls, and opportunities for improvement
• Analyse root causes and develop recommendations for cost reduction, profit generation, and operational efficiency
• Monitor key risk indicators and emerging risks to support updates to risk assessments and audit plans

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Lead discussions with management to present audit results
• Prepare presentation materials for audit reporting
• Develop strong working relationships with management to understand business initiatives

Team Supervision & Project Management

• Review audit workpapers and support overall audit project management
• Supervise audit staff and guide development and adjustment of testing procedures
• Act as the first point of contact for questions related to audit methodology and procedures

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in ad‑hoc requests and special projects as directed by the Audit leadership team

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in public accounting, internal audit, or accounting/finance roles within a business environment

Certifications

• One or more of the following certifications required:
  • CPA
  • CIA
  • CISA
  • CMA
  • CFE

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Advanced Excel skills

Languages

• Strong English skills
• Spanish and/or Portuguese is helpful but not required

Soft / Behavioral Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Sound independent judgment, prioritization, and decision‑making capability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a global environment

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