Director, Internal Audit

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control and energy solutions at our company owned facilities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hayward also has facilities in Tennessee, Arizona, and Rhode Island as well as Canada, Spain, France, Australia, and China. This position is based in Charlotte, NC.

The Internal Audit function is responsible for assessing the reliability of financial reporting, compliance with laws and regulations, the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and safeguarding of Hayward assets. The function provides assurance to management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors that internal controls are in place and working effectively, performs fraud investigations and conducts risk-based operations audits and special projects assigned by management and the Audit Committee. Internal Audit is responsible for identifying opportunities for operational and control improvements to mitigate risk and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processes across the Hayward’s global businesses.

The Internal Audit Department reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, and administratively to the CFO.

• Support the Vice President to develop and execute a strategic, risk-based audit plan that provides effective coverage over financial, operational, and compliance risks and controls
• Support the Vice President of Internal Audit in evaluating both the design and operating effectiveness of Hayward’s internal controls environment and compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, agreements, laws, and regulations
• Support the aggregation and presentation of audit results and recommendations for remediation and/or improvement purposes
• Drive the SOX scoping and risk assessment by collaborating with cross-functional teams to stay up to date on significant changes that may have an impact on the design and/or effectiveness of internal controls
• Oversee and coordinate activities of the internal audit team, deficiency assessments, the development of remediation plans and their execution. Assist the Controllership team in evaluating the impact of deficiencies on the overall financial statements and controls
• Coordinate the SOX Internal Audit testing program to evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of management’s internal controls over financial reporting. This will include collaborating and working cross functionally across all business functions and IT to identify and mitigate risks in the internal control environment and drive process improvements
• Serve as the technical subject matter expert on SOX matters, including development, refinement and documentation of internal controls and associated test procedures
• Maintain on-going communication with external auditors including alignment on SOX planning, walkthroughs and testing, audit requests, and any deficiency evaluation
• Conduct the annual enterprise risk assessment that effectively captures and communicates changes in the company’s risk profile, helping to ensure top risks are effectively mitigated
• Plan and complete assigned audits in accordance with accepted professional standards as outlined within Hayward’s Internal Audit Charter
• Participate in pre-implementation of the new ERP project, including identification and design of relevant business processes and controls to automate
• Participates in certain fraud and whistleblower investigations
• In the future state hire, develop and lead an inclusive, engaged, and high performing team
• Identify and recommends strategies to improve SOX and audit efficiency through best practices, improving documentation, automation, standardization, and streamlining of activities
• Other responsibilities as identified
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related curriculum
• 10 + years of Audit experience with knowledge of accounting, finance, and internal control assessment
• Big four audit and/or consulting experience strongly preferred
• At least one of the professional certifications is required CPA, CIA, CISA, etc.
• Experience in project management practices, tooling, and managing projects through the SOX lifecycle
• Experience with leveraging data analytics to perform targeted sampling techniques and using automation for continuous monitoring is preferred
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience in communicating with senior level executives
• Highest standards of accuracy and precision; highly organized and self-motivated
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills, with ability to determine key issues and develop effective action plans
• Intellectual curiosity and continuous learner; continues professional and technical learning
• Ability to handle multiple priorities against multiple deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization
• High ethical standards with ability to handle confidential / sensitive issues and information with the highest degree of professional responsibility
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills