The incoming Executive will lead both the Enterprise Risk and Internal Audit functions by providing independent, objective assurance and risk consulting services designed to add value to the organization. This role and their teams are focused on safeguarding the Company’s assets, minimizing risk, and ensuring the integrity of the Company’s financial information. Together, these functions provide a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the organization’s risk management, financial and operational controls, and governance processes.

The VP - Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit will be responsible for advancing the vision and direction for the Risk and Internal Audit functions, leading the team to enable successful execution of its mission and objectives, and ensuring it is seen as a trusted advisor to the organization, the senior management team, and the Board of Directors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advance Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Capabilities:

• Lead and assess risk to formulate a risk-based audit plan
• Lead the department such that it balances the Company’s need for advisory services with the need for compliance and governance
• Maintain and advance department objectives that are responsive to the strategic objectives and key risks of the Company
• Provide continuous guidance on material risks in a rapidly changing business environment, including proper escalations, communications, and training
• Maintain and advance the established integrated Enterprise Risk framework that aligns strategic insights with risk management practices
• Evaluate and introduce cost-effective technology enablers (e.g. AI, Analytics, etc.) that enhance the function’s capabilities, including efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support initiatives regarding Enterprise Risk and Compliance identification, assessment, and mitigation
• Build meaningful relationships across the business, the management team, and with the Audit Committee

Team Building and Development:

• Lead and develop a team of internal audit and enterprise risk talent that is poised to support the department's objectives and execution of the annual enterprise risk assessment and audit plan
• Maintain and evolve organization structure that responds to the changing needs of the business and maintain the right balance of in-house vs co-sourced audit and risk expertise – capability and capacity assessment, particularly leveraging our global shared service center in Hyderabad
• Develop meaningful relationships with key risk owners across the business, particularly in the areas of Accounting, Legal, Human Resources, Information Technology, Operations and Supply Chain

Conduct periodic Enterprise Risk Assessment and build and execute a meaningful audit plan that addresses the biggest risks for the business:

• Perpetually understand and evaluate risk across the organization to inform and prioritize an impactful, risk-based audit plan
• Provide valuable and actionable insights to senior leadership and the Board that help close control gaps, improve overall corporate governance and reduce risks
• Oversee audit work performed by the team to ensure it is well-defined, risk-based, and executed against the overall audit plan objectives
• Serve as the lead senior management advisor for all risk matters and conduct the annual enterprise risk assessment process
• Maintain and advance the framework for analyzing and monitoring key risks on an on-going basis
• Identify and monitor emerging risks and provide recommendations as to how best to address them

Corporate Governance and SOX Expertise:

• Serve as the in-house expert on all Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), corporate governance and controls matters, including: Entity-Level Controls, IT General Controls, Scoping and Materiality of transactions, systems, processes and sub processes
• Collaborate with process owners and others to build knowledge and understanding of risks and controls
• Lead a team to:
  • Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of SOX controls
  • Evaluate the impact of any control deficiencies identified, both individually and in the aggregate
  • Recommend corrective actions to remediate any deficiencies identified
  • Monitor the broader regulatory environment for items that may impact the Company’s financial reporting or operations
  • Identify areas of opportunity for process improvements and efficiencies
• Work closely with Controllership and External Auditors
• Report Observations to Senior Leadership and Audit Committee:
• Provide regular reports to the Senior Leadership and/or the Audit Committee on the Company’s system of internal controls, significant audit recommendations, and investigations into fraudulent activity
• Provide ongoing insight regarding progress against key risk objectives

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of enterprise risk and internal audit leadership experience, including interaction with senior management
• Proven track record of team building and talent development
• 4-year Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Advanced degree preferred
• CPA strongly preferred
• Restaurant/retail industry experience preferred
• Public accounting experience preferred
• Large, multi-brand, global, public company experience preferred
• IPO experience preferred
• M&A experience preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES

• Thorough understanding of internal auditing standards, PCAOB auditing standards, COSO, SOX, US GAAP and risk assessment practices
• Ability to build, coach, develop and motivate a team in a complex, changing business environment
• Technology-forward professional with a proven track record of harnessing the power of available and emerging tools and enablers to advance the function’s capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to be direct yet diplomatic when addressing issues or deficiencies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence leadership and peers
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or Audit Committee
• Strong problem-solving skills to develop viable recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operating processes and financial controls
• Excellent organizational, time management and prioritization skills
• Strong knowledge of business operations; knowledge of franchising and restaurant operations a plus
• Ability to work cross-functionally with all levels of the organization
• Personal commitment to integrity, achievement of departmental and business results, and outstanding customer service
• Commitment to maintaining a high degree of discretion and confidentiality, as needed

 

Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.

We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.