Internal Audit Team Lead – Loan Operations, Post-Closing, and Compliance

Overview

Internal Audit Team Lead – Loan Operations, Post-Closing, and Compliance is responsible for leading audits across the lending lifecycle, post-closing operations, and compliance activities while ensuring effective risk management, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls. Reporting directly to the SVP of Internal Audit, this role oversees a dedicated pod of 4 Internal Audit Analysts.

About the Role

The role serves as a hands-on leader who seamlessly transitions between supervising the audit team and executing audit fieldwork. The Team Lead evaluates operational controls, compliance with lending policies, and post-closing activities. Additionally, the Team Lead is responsible for reviewing audit workpapers, testing, and reports, ensuring the consistent application of audit methodology and quality standards across the team.

What Success Looks Like

• Audit engagements are completed on time and meet Internal Audit quality standards.
• Internal Audit Analysts are effectively supervised, coached, and developed.
• Audit workpapers, testing results, and reports are thoroughly reviewed and maintain high-quality standards.
• Significant risks, control deficiencies, and compliance issues are identified and reported clearly to the SVP.
• Remediation tracking and validation activities are successfully supported.

Typical Day-to-Day

• Lead audits of loan origination, underwriting, servicing, collections processes, and post-closing activities.
• Perform hands-on audit fieldwork, complex process walkthroughs, and control testing alongside the team.
• Review analyst audit workpapers, testing results, and supporting evidence, providing actionable feedback.
• Evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements, investor guidelines, and internal policies.
• Support remediation tracking and validation activities.
• Draft comprehensive audit reports detailing findings, root causes, and practical recommendations.
• Monitor and track the status of audit findings, actively following up with management to ensure timely remediation.

Key Objectives for This Role (Quarterly Focus)

• Ensure the timely and effective execution of the risk-based audit plan for the Loan Operations, Post-Closing, and Compliance pod.
• Review quality assurance processes and identify improvement opportunities.
• Identify operational, process, and credit-related risks.
• Promote continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the team.

What You'll Be Doing (Core Responsibilities)

• Supervise and develop 4 Internal Audit Analysts.
• Review audit workpapers, testing, and reports to ensure consistent application of audit methodology and quality standards.
• Evaluate operational controls and compliance with lending policies.
• Assess post-closing activities and loan documentation controls.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to the team.
• Communicate audit observations and recommendations clearly to the SVP of Internal Audit.
• Draft, finalize, and present formal audit reports to the SVP and relevant business stakeholders.
• Oversee the issue tracking process, conducting follow-up reviews to validate management's corrective actions and clear audit findings.

Requirements

• Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Auditing, or a related field.
• Required Experience
• 6-8 years of relevant experience in Internal Audit.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to perform hands-on audit testing and fieldwork.
• Experience supervising staff, reviewing workpapers, and managing multiple deadlines independently.
• Language Requirement
• English proficiency at C1 level (Advanced), with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Certifications
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is required.
• Key Performance Measures
• Timely execution of audits, continuous monitoring activities, and special projects.
• Accuracy and quality of audit testing, work papers, and supporting documentation reviewed.
• Effective supervision and development of the internal audit team.
• Quality, clarity, and timeliness of drafted audit reports, as well as the effective tracking and validation of audit findings.
• Remote Work Requirements
• Stable, reliable internet connection.
• Professional and dedicated remote working environment.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a fully remote environment.
• Preferred Background / Industry Experience
• Strong exposure to loan operations, post-closing, lending compliance, or complex financial environments is strongly preferred.
• Additional professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), CISA, CRMA, or CFE are a strong plus.
• Key Soft Skills
• Leadership: Ability to provide coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Accountability: Self-directed, dependable, and comfortable working independently in a remote setting.
• Communication: Writes clearly and explains findings and required fixes professionally and concisely to the SVP.
• Integrity and discretion: Handles confidential information with care and sound judgment.
• Specific Technical Skills Needed
• Advanced knowledge of internal controls, risk assessment, and audit concepts.
• Understanding of loan operations, post-closing, and compliance functions.
• Familiarity with ERP, workflow management, and business applications such as LAPro, QuickBase, Monday.com, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.