Contexte du recrutement et définition de poste

Acoem is a fast-growing, French-based mid-sized company (ETI) with a strong and expanding international footprint, including key operations in the USA, Brazil, India, Australia and Sweden. Headquartered in the vibrant Lyon region, our Group is committed to achieving operational excellence on a global scale. As we continue to scale, we are creating a new key position for an experienced Internal Auditor to build and lead our internal control function.

Position Overview

This is a unique opportunity for a proactive and autonomous audit professional to establish our internal audit function from the ground up. The Senior Internal Auditor will be responsible for developing and implementing a group-wide internal control framework to safeguard assets, ensure accuracy of financial reporting, and improve operational efficiency. A key focus of the role will be to proactively mitigate risks, including those related to fraud prevention and detection.

This role offers high visibility and a direct impact on the security and performance of the Group, working in close partnership with the Group CFO and executive management. To facilitate this close collaboration, the position is preferably based at our Group Headquarters in the Lyon area.

Key Responsibilities

• Function Creation: Design, develop, and implement the Group's internal audit charter, methodology, and risk-based annual audit plan from scratch.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments of the Group's operations to identify key financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Audit Execution: Plan and perform financial, operational, and compliance audits at our international subsidiaries. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, identifying weaknesses, and providing actionable recommendations.
• Fraud & Investigation: Proactively identify control gaps that could lead to fraudulent activities. Lead or participate in investigations into alleged cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
• Reporting: Prepare clear, concise, and impactful audit reports in English for subsidiary management, the Group CFO, and the executive committee.
• Follow-up: Monitor and validate the implementation of audit recommendations with local management teams to ensure corrective actions are effectively executed.
• Best Practices: Act as a true business partner, promoting a culture of integrity and accountability, and providing training and guidance on internal controls and best practices throughout the organization.

Profil recherché

Required Profile & Qualifications

• Experience: 6 to 8 years of progressive experience focused on internal audit. Previous experience in external audit (e.g., in a "Big 4" firm) is considered an asset.
• Autonomy: Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and build a function with minimal supervision. Experience in creating or significantly developing an audit department is a major asset.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks, risk management principles, and audit techniques. Experience with fraud investigation is considered an asset.
• International Mindset & Mobility: This position involves regular travel (estimated 30-40%) to our key subsidiaries in the USA, Brazil, India, Australia and Sweden. The candidate must be comfortable with and prepared for long-haul travel and possess a strong ability to adapt and work effectively across different time zones and cultures.
• Languages: Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is mandatory, as it will be the primary working language. Proficiency in French is a plus.
• Soft Skills: Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to build trust and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Education: Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A professional certification (e.g., CIA, CPA, ACCA) is strongly preferred.

What We Offer

A unique greenfield opportunity to build a critical function and leave your mark on a growing international group.

A high degree of autonomy and direct exposure to the Group's executive leadership.

A dynamic, multicultural, and challenging work environment.