Internal Auditor

Who We Are

First Fed is a local community bank on an exciting growth trajectory with 17 locations including 12 full-service branches in Western Washington. First Fed was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a Best Workplace and a Top Corporate Philanthropist. By popular vote, First Fed received awards for Best Bank in The Best of the Northwest, Best Banker in Readers’ Choice by Cascadia Daily News, and Peninsula Daily News named us Best Bank on the Olympic Peninsula. We also received a Best-In-State bank award from Forbes.  

For over 100 years First Fed has served our customers and communities throughout the PNW. We’ve donated over $9 million to non-profit organizations in the past 8 years through our foundations, sponsorships, direct donations, and matched employee donations. Our amazing team has volunteered over 25,000 hours in the past 5 years – many by using our benefit of 3 paid volunteer days per year!  

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds – our diversity makes us stronger. Join our award-winning team!  

Our Values

Optimism:  We are positive and decisive. We believe the future will be better than the past. Our attitude demonstrates persistence which leads to success.

Initiative:  We are self-starters and find innovative solutions. We are courageous, entrepreneurial, and passionate. We take action for good.

Respect:  We include individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different perspectives. We are committed to honoring and serving others.

Growth:  We learn and adapt so we can continually improve. We believe in personal growth through grit and determination.

Ownership:  We are invested in our endeavors. We are accountable and take responsibility for our actions and decisions.

Position Purpose

The Internal Auditor will report to the Internal Audit Lead. The Internal Auditor will be responsible for performing internal controls evaluation and testing (SOX COSO framework) and Branch Audits.  The Internal Auditor will consistently collaborate with management on identifying controls and develop process flow documentation of key SOX processes.

Essential Functions

• Perform SOX testing and Branch Audits, with oversight from the Internal Audit Lead
• Under the direction of the Internal Audit Manager, participate in and contribute to the annual risk assessment which serves as the basis for all internal audit activities.
• May perform quarterly internal control evaluation and testing, consistent with the approved internal audit plan, and create and maintain industry standard audit documentation.
• May serve as point of contact with third party auditors for financial control testing and findings.
• Continually seek ways to improve audit efficiency and lessen impact on staff.
• With leadership and support from the Internal Audit Manager, follow-up on audit findings and recommendations to determine satisfactory resolution in a timely manner
• Exercise sound judgment when identifying findings and associated risk exposures in order to ensure that the appropriate information is conveyed to management and the Audit Committee in an accurate and timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with key personnel in other departments to obtain responses to findings noted during the audit. Audit recommendations are to be developed independently and through a collaborative process with the audited department, as well as through coordination with compliance/risk group members (Compliance, ERM, IT, Security, etc.).
• Assume additional audit duties as they arise.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance, or other closely related field of study, is preferred. Equivalent work experience, especially in Banking, would also be accepted.  
• 2+ years audit or closely related experience is required. 
• Self-starter with a high degree of initiative, dependability, and independence/ability to work with limited supervision.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Commitment to continuing professional education required.
• Strong analytical skills. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to professionally handle confidential matters.
• Strong ability, desire, and enjoyment in working with others, both employees and customers, in a cooperative, professional, and friendly spirit.
• Proficiency with personal computer systems: experience with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) is required.
• Must possess a high level of personal integrity and reflect an appropriate level of judgment and maturity.
• Significant travel is not expected; limited regional in-state travel may be occasionally necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification is highly desired – Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA), Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Risk Professional (CRP). Current certification candidates are encouraged to apply. Selected candidates will be expected to obtain certification within agreed-upon timeframe.
• Leadership skills highly desired.
• Data Analytics skills are highly desired.
• Knowledge of basic technology concepts and controls, and experience in performing integrated audits are strongly preferred.
• Audit or other working experience with a mortgage banking company or a financial institution.
• High level of proficiency in both verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and negotiating skills.
• Ability to learn quickly; is accurate and timely in completing responsibilities with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work on multiple concurrent audits/projects.
• Ability to promote, accept and facilitate change, whether indicated by corporate needs, market, or regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently

Physical Requirements

The work requires the ability to operate office machines and equipment, such as personal computers, printers, copying machines and telephones. The work requires the ability to communicate clearly with customers, coworkers, and others in person and on telephones. Work activities involve combinations of sitting/standing for extended periods.

Pay Range

• The pay range for this position is $80,200 - $111,313.28
• The typical hiring range for this position is $80,200 – $87,000
• The incentive plan for this position is the Corporate/Officer Incentive plan. It is paid out annually based on bank and individual performance metrics.
• Employees will be eligible for our benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plans (401k with company match and Employee Stock Ownership Plan), gym membership reimbursement, discounts on our banking products, and more!  Additional information on our benefits package can be viewed at https://www.ourfirstfed.com/careers 

As a community Bank, we know the power in bringing people together from all walks of life. Our communities are beautiful and strong because of their diversity, and it’s important to us that all of our locations reflect the unique diversity of the places we live and work. We are passionate about hiring the very best talent and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran

First Fed invites all qualified interested applicants to apply for our career opportunities.  If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our online job search or application tools, please email Human Resources  via [email protected] or call 360-460-2605.  Note: This contact information is reserved solely for job seekers requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the application process.  Messages left for other purposes may not receive a response.

We are required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.