Chief Audit Executive (S)

ABOUT CENTRAL BANCOMPANY

Central Bancompany is a relationship-focused financial organization committed to serving customers, communities, and employees with integrity, accountability, and long-term vision. Through a strong culture of service, operational excellence, and local decision-making, we have built a reputation as a trusted financial partner across the markets we serve.

Our Internal Audit Department is recognized for its strong governance and assurance foundation, appropriate independence, and strong credibility among executive management. This position offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished audit executive to build upon that foundation while helping shape the future of the function and the organization.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Audit Executive (CAE) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Internal Audit function. This executive leader is responsible for maintaining an independent, objective assurance and consulting function designed to add value and improve the Bank's operations through effective governance, risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will bring significant banking audit leadership experience, preferably from a financial institution of similar or greater size and complexity, and will be energized by the opportunity to strengthen audit capabilities, support enterprise growth, advance technology enablement, and develop the next generation of audit talent.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all Internal Audit activities, ensuring independence, objectivity, and compliance with professional standards and regulatory expectations.
• Develop, execute, and maintain a comprehensive risk-based audit plan designed to evaluate governance, risk management, internal controls, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance throughout the organization.
• Report audit results, emerging risks, and significant control matters to executive management, providing meaningful insight and recommendations.
• Assess opportunities for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function, including audit methodologies, resource utilization, technology adoption, and reporting practices.
• Lead the continued maturation of risk-based planning, technology enablement, audit reporting, and talent management programs.
• Support acquisition and growth strategies by assisting the evolution of Internal Audit toward a more enterprise-wide approach that promotes consistency, scalability, and comprehensive risk visibility.
• Institute a measured and practical approach to artificial intelligence adoption and other emerging technologies within the audit function.
• Analyze and recommend investments in personnel, technology, audit methodologies, and operational processes necessary to support organizational scalability and future growth.
• Develop, mentor, and lead audit personnel while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, professional development, and operational excellence.
• Maintain effective relationships with executive management, regulators, and external auditors while preserving Internal Audit's independence and objectivity.
• Monitor changes in banking regulations, accounting guidance, emerging risks, and industry best practices and incorporate them into departmental strategies and audit activities.

Core Qualifications, Education and Experience

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• CPA, CIA, or comparable professional certification required.
• Extensive audit, accounting, risk management, or regulatory experience with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience leading an Internal Audit function within a financial institution, preferably a bank of comparable or larger size and complexity.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, business processes, risk management practices, internal controls, governance frameworks, and banking regulations.
• Proven ability to identify and evaluate complex risks, analyze data, and communicate recommendations effectively to senior leadership.
• Exceptional oral, written, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Valid driver's license required and ability to travel periodically to Bank locations.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience leading audit transformation, modernization, or technology enablement initiatives.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, organizational growth, or enterprise-wide operating models.
• Experience leveraging data analytics, automation, and emerging technologies to improve audit effectiveness.
• Jefferson City, Missouri location is strongly preferred. Relocation may be required for external candidates not currently located in the Jefferson City area.
• Experience at financial institutions of similar or larger size and complexity is strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements

Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality are required for this position. Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position