Lead - Internal Auditor

Position: Lead Internal Audit
Department: Internal Audit
Location: Gurgaon / Head Office

Role Overview

We are looking for a detail-oriented and analytical Lead Internal Audit to drive internal audit activities across the organisation. The role will be responsible for evaluating internal controls, identifying operational and financial risks, ensuring compliance with policies and processes, and recommending improvements to strengthen the overall control environment.

The role will work closely with business, finance, retail operations, supply chain, warehouse, sourcing, and other functions to identify risks and ensure effective implementation of internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute risk-based internal audits across retail stores, warehouses, corporate functions, supply chain, finance, and other business areas.
• Conduct audits to assess the effectiveness of internal controls, processes, policies, and SOPs.
• Identify control gaps, process deviations, financial irregularities, and operational risks.
• Review store operations, inventory, cash management, sales, discounts, returns, stock transfers, shrinkage, and stock reconciliation.
• Conduct audits of warehouse and supply chain processes including inventory management, inward/outward processes, IBT, RTV, stock adjustments, and physical verification.
• Review financial processes including revenue, expenses, receivables, payables, reconciliations, and accounting controls.
• Evaluate compliance with company policies, approval matrices, SOPs, and delegated authorities.
• Prepare detailed audit reports highlighting observations, root causes, risk impact, and corrective action plans.
• Discuss audit findings with process owners and ensure timely closure of audit observations.
• Track and report open audit observations and remediation status to senior management.
• Conduct surprise audits and investigations wherever required.
• Identify potential cases of fraud, leakage, pilferage, process manipulation, and financial irregularities and support investigations.
• Perform data analysis to identify unusual trends, exceptions, and potential control issues.
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support management in strengthening internal controls and improving operational efficiency.
• Assist in developing and periodically updating the Internal Audit Plan, Risk & Control Matrix, SOPs, and audit checklists.
• Coordinate with external auditors, statutory auditors, and other assurance functions wherever required.
• Present key audit findings, risks, and recommendations to senior management.

Key Audit Areas

• Retail Store Audits
• Inventory & Stock Audits
• Warehouse & Supply Chain Audits
• Revenue & Sales Audit
• Cash & Banking Controls
• Purchase & Vendor Controls
• Accounts Receivable & Payable
• Expense & Employee Reimbursement Audits
• Process & SOP Compliance
• Fraud & Loss Prevention
• IT/System Controls
• Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of Internal Audit, Risk Management and Internal Controls.
• Good knowledge of financial and operational audit processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify risks and evaluate their financial/operational impact.
• Strong understanding of retail and inventory processes is preferred.
• Good knowledge of Excel and data analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP will be an advantage.
• Strong report-writing and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Strong integrity, objectivity, and professional judgement.
• Ability to manage multiple audits and deliver within timelines.

Education & Experience

• Qualification: CA / CIA / MBA Finance / M.Com / equivalent qualification.
• Experience: 5–8 years of relevant experience in Internal Audit, Risk Advisory, Controls, or Process Audit.
• Experience in retail, fashion, FMCG, consumer, or other multi-location businesses will be preferred.
• Candidates with experience in store audits, inventory audits, warehouse audits, and fraud risk assessment will have an added advantage.