GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:   

The Chief Audit Executive leads the delivery of audit, advisory, internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), and conduct & ethics services for American Equity and American National Group Inc. (The “Company”). This position works closely with senior leadership at Brookfield Wealth Solutions, Ltd., ANGI and its subsidiaries.

Internal Audit plays a critical role providing assurance to the Company’s stakeholders and value-add support to the senior leadership team. The Chief Audit Executive is expected to bring a vision of dynamic leadership to the organization, staying on top of new and emerging risks and developing innovative approaches to assess and mitigate risks, and provide assurance over processes and controls operated by the Company.

**This position is based out of and will sit in West Des Moines, IA**

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Enhances the American Equity and American National Group Inc. (ANGI) internal audit function, integrating internal audit teams from the predecessor entities and filling gaps, where needed.
• Identifies the resourcing model to carry out responsibilities effectively and efficiently.
• Strategically staffs the function to ensure the right mix of skills to successfully execute the plans.
• Manages the audit team, focusing on training and development, performance assessments and offering growth opportunities.
• Builds strong professional relationships with senior leadership and provide value-add support.
• Develops and leads the execution of the risk-based internal audit plan considering strategic, financial, operational and compliance objectives for the Company and BWS.
• Regularly evaluates and updates the risk and control assessment, staying informed of new and emerging risks as well as key control issues, trends and developments.
• Organizes and oversees audit planning, resource allocation, budgeting and engagement fieldwork.
• Reviews engagement files and reports, ensuring compliance with BWS Internal Audit’s standards.
• Assesses and periodically report on remediation of audit findings.
• Presents regular updates to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of ANGI and contributes materials for the quarterly BWS Board and Audit Committee reports.
• Oversees the Company’s ICFR Program to comply with relevant GAAP (Sarbanes-Oxley or “SOX”) and statutory (NAIC Model Audit Rule) requirements as well as BWS’s SOX Program.
• Plans and supervises management assurance, advisory and strategic projects to support the Company’s significant growth plans and to help manage new and emerging risks.
• Plans, conducts and reports on fraud allegations or violations of the Company’s Code of Conduct.
• Coordinates assurance activities to provide integrated assurance by working with Risk Management, Compliance and other Second Line functions.
• Promotes a culture of sound governance and effective controls across the organization.
• Offers innovative solutions to enhance the quality of the assurance programs and to support management with enhancing its control environment and risk mitigation strategies.
• Be a keen student of the Company and stay on top of industry trends and developments.
• Leverage data analytics, process mining and other audit tools and technologies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports:

Head of Controls and Internal Audit contractors

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): 

Manager and senior level personnel

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field of study; plus ten (10) years of insurance or other financial services industry and at least seven (7) years of experience directing audits, risk management or compliance programs and managing teams; experience reporting to Boards and Board subcommittees is desirable.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

• preCertified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or similar professional accounting designation is strongly preferred
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designations are considered an asset

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Comprehensive knowledge of auditing practices, procedures and principles, sufficient to interpret and analyze complex concepts and apply these in innovative ways
• Strong understanding of risk management frameworks and operating practices
• Deep knowledge of and experience with ICFR, including SOX and MAR requirements, and familiarity with US GAAP and US statutory accounting requirements
• Experience with and understanding of information technology general controls and IT audit practices
• Knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to develop creative approaches and solutions necessary to pragmatically solve complex problems
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to resolve conflicts to achieve objectives
• Flexible working approach and able to manage multiple stakeholders and meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and proactive with a focus on continuous professional development
• Strong leadership skills, including the desire and aptitude to build direct reports’ skills and team culture