Chief Internal Auditor

The primary responsibility of the Chief Internal Auditor (CIA) is to establish a risk-based audit plan evaluating the degree of compliance with the Bank's key internal controls and regulations within the various operations and divisions of the Bank and its subsidiaries. The CIA reports directly to the Audit Committee and administratively to the CEO. The CIA provides strategic direction and leadership to a professional internal audit department responsible for the execution of the internal audit plan. The CIA will submit formal written reports to the Audit Committee on the adequacy and effectiveness of the system of internal control throughout the Bank and outline control deficiencies noted during the audit and Management's remediation plan. The CIA will periodically meet with the Audit Committee and report on the status of the audit plan. The incumbent must possess appropriate professional audit, Financial Services / Bank experience and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of Bank Management, including the Board of Directors, Senior Management and the staff. Due to the sensitive nature of this function, it is imperative that an impartial and independent posture toward the activities being audited, in both fact and appearance, is maintained at all times. The CIA is bound to adhere to the IIA's Code of Ethics with the purpose of promoting an ethical culture in the profession of internal auditing. The Code applies to both entities and individuals that perform internal audit services within and on behalf of the Internal Audit Department.

• Sets strategic direction for the Internal Audit department in consultation with the Audit Committee.
• Develops and directs the design, scope, and administration of a comprehensive risk-based audit program; including development of the annual risk assessment/audit plan for Hancock Whitney in accordance with guidelines set forth by Audit Committee, while working with bank leadership and coordinating with other assurance functions - compliance, SOX, ERM, etc.
• Oversees the execution of the audit program ensuring efficient, effective, and complete audit coverage, including supervision of Internal audit's co-sourcing firm.
• Manages and directs the preparation of audit reports and determines the final audit opinion for each audit report issued, including reports performed by the co-sourcing firm.
• Coordinates and directs the reporting of results of audits to affiliated management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors; develops concise audit reports that articulate risk, business issues and impact, and provides clear solutions-based recommendations.
• Reviews and evaluates the disposition of audit findings and the adequacy of subsequent corrective action; reviews high-risk findings with bank leadership.
• Coordinates inquiries and requests for information on Audit Committee activities with Bank regulators (Federal Reserve, FDIC, MS Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, FRB, CFPB) and external auditors.
• Determines the staffing needs and organization of the department, including staffing requirements of the Internal Audit organization.
• Manages, directs, and participates in special projects, research and assignments as directed by executive management, or the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Manages, trains, and mentors internal audit team.
• Manages multiple members of the Internal Audit department, including third party providers and supervisors who have direct reports.
• Prepares, coordinates, and executes periodic Audit Committee meetings; prepares meeting minutes and reports committee activity to bank and holding company boards, including status reporting of audit planning, scope, and achievement of deadlines.
• Maintain professional education and knowledge of the audit profession and banking by networking with industry peers through active participation in local and national professional organizations.
• Directs overall performance of audit procedures, identifying scope, objectives and defining issues, developing criteria, analyzing evidence, and documenting auditing processes and procedures.
• Develops documented internal audit policies and procedures, and a comprehensive methodology to drive components of the internal audit process and function.
• Develops effective partnerships with clients by understanding their goals and deliverables, key business processes, technologies, risk management practices, changes in operations/products/service offerings, and areas of potential risk

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures and applicable laws; Provides guidance and oversight to and is responsible for the coordination and evaluation of the assigned team. Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring and training associates; planning, assigning and directing work; performance management; associate compensation; approving expense reports; addressing concerns and resolving problems.

• Bachelor's degree required; Masters preferred
• Professional certifications such as the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation issued by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), or a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• 15+ years of work experience, ideally including at least 10 years of combined experience with a Big Four accounting firm and/or internal audit of a banking organization
• Proven and progressive track record leading and managing at the highest level(s) of an organization
• Ability to demonstrate the highest professional and personal standards, unquestioned integrity, and business ethics
• Additional desired experience includes:
• Extensive knowledge of business processes and the internal control structure for a depository financial institution
• Experience interacting with Audit Chair, Board of Directors, and Senior Management
• Ability to maintain an appropriate level of independence
• Deep understanding of regulatory environment and strong reputation and relationships with the regulatory community
• Strong understanding of internal audit methodologies and techniques as well as business acumen
• Capable of delivering risk based audits on time, meeting professional standards, and appropriate documentation.
• Strategic and consultative with an ability to focus on the big picture to identify critical issues and opportunities
• Excellent conceptual, analytic, critical thinking, decision making, organizational, and planning skills
• Motivated and confident in driving change
• Experience in a highly dynamic environment undergoing change is preferred
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills
• Ability to present audit issues and opinions in clear and balanced business terms
• Strong leader of people and teams; ability to create a compelling vision of Internal Audit, demonstrate flexibility in approach; and motivate others to achieve desired results
• Experience and expertise to build positive working relationships across key constituents as well as regulators, Board of Directors, and external auditors
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative to influence and drive results within a financial services organization
• Demonstrated leadership and team development experience
• Excellent analytical, decision making, and time management skills
• Exceptional oral and written communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
• Proven skills as a strong risk advisor and risk manager

• Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 10 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions. If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division an "undue hardship" then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.