The VP of Internal Audit is a strategic, high-impact leader who reports to the Audit Committee with a dotted line to the CFO and guides the evolution of the global internal audit function. This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing global team, shape enterprise risk and audit strategy, strengthen internal controls, and deliver meaningful insights that influence senior leadership, the Board, and business partners across the organization.
Responsibilities:
Conduct annual enterprise risk assessment that effectively captures and communicates changes in the Company's risk profile, ensuring top risks are effectively mitigated.
Own and oversee the Company’s SOX 404 compliance program, including annual control testing, design and evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), remediation tracking, and management representations. Ensure effective coordination with Finance, IT, operations, and External Audit to meet regulatory requirements and timelines.
Develop and execute a strategic, risk-based audit plan that provides effective coverage over financial, operational, and compliance risks and controls at key operating units.
Work with management to facilitate the completion of management's annual control self-assessment for in-scope business units.
Effectively plan, organize, and manage activities/resources in a manner that assures meeting objectives, annual goals, and budget targets.
Effectively summarize and present results of audit activities to the CFO and the Audit Committee.
Provide overall direction and leadership for the audit function while fostering continuous improvement and integrating best practices.
Lead, motivate, develop, and retain a high-performing global team that serves as a strong talent pipeline for the organization.
Create an equitable and inclusive environment where people can bring their full selves to work and unlock their greatest potential and contributions to the team.
Scope and perform risk-based audits; deliver clear, effective audit reports; and partner with management to define issues, identify root causes, communicate recommendations, and support corrective action plans.
Guide and support the Internal Audit team in leveraging modern data analytics, automation, and AI-driven technologies to enhance audit coverage and efficiency. Identify and evaluate opportunities for continuous monitoring and process digitization, driving greater effectiveness and scalability.
Develop trusted relationships with senior leaders and management to understand key initiatives, business performance, and emerging risks, adjusting audit plans accordingly.
Support Compliance Committee in helping to facilitate the Company's quarterly management representation process.
Support ad hoc finance and operational requests with corporate & regional management teams.
Work closely with Legal on compliance programs involving business ethics, including investigation of whistleblower complaints and other matters. Report results to management and the Audit Committee.
Liaise/coordinate with external auditors where appropriate to ensure the most effective audit coverage and to minimize duplication of effort.
Qualifications:
Minimum 15+ years of progressive audit experience in Big 4 public accounting firm (ideally Risk/IA practice) or combined experience with a large, complex multi-national company (ideally manufacturing, distribution, retail) is strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is strongly preferred; MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.
Professional certification is strongly preferred (i.e., CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or equivalent).
Knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP, US GAAS, IAS, and IIA standards is strongly preferred.
Strong working experience conducting risk assessments and evaluating controls is required, with demonstrated SOX 404 compliance and control testing experience. Must have experience performing financial and operational audits.
Self-directed and self-motivated leader with experience leading diverse, global teams.
Executive presence combined with a high degree of maturity and business judgment.
Global travel is required (approximately 20-30% of the year).
Demonstrated experience or strong capability with data analytics platforms, business intelligence tools, and automation technologies. Ability to evaluate and adopt emerging audit technologies, including AI-driven analysis capabilities.
Experience with HFM and ERPs, such as SAP, is preferred.
What we value:
At Samsonite, we do more than create the bags that move with our consumer, we inspire and celebrate the moments that move them. We believe we have a responsibility to the world in how we operate, the products we sell, the communities where we live and work, and how we treat the people we employ. We're as diverse as travel itself, and like travel, your journey with Samsonite presents the opportunity to be a part of something bigger and explore your passions. This is why we offer various paths for professionals and celebrate the knowledge and skills they bring to our team. We are committed to a respectful workplace that allows our team members to bring their best selves to the workplace daily.
Samsonite is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting and maintaining a work environment in which all applicants, associates, customers, and other individuals are treated with dignity and respect free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
