Director of Internal Audit

Who We Are About Ascend

At Ascend, we recognize the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional firms-from rigid hierarchies and overwhelming workloads to the elusive work-life balance. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you're not just a number but a valued member of a community that champions both your professional and personal fulfillment.

Our mission is to transform the public accounting experience into one where work-life harmony is a reality, and where your career advancement is supported by a nurturing network and robust resources

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today's industry challenges to reach their full potential

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Opsahl Dawson (ODC) is a super-regional CPA firm with four office locations throughout the Pacific Northwest (PNW). We specialize in serving the audit, internal audit and compliance needs of financial institutions in the Western United States. We are a full service firm, and also provide elite Accounting, Tax Preparation, and Bookkeeping to closely held businesses and high-net worth individuals. Our firm has 175+ people across the United States working in hybrid, remote, and fully on-site arrangements.

With 35+ years of proven service, we're the go-to CPA firm for depository and non-depository financial companies. You'll be joining a fun team and a renowned firm that was recognized as one of 2025's Top 10 Fastest Growing Accounting Firms by Accounting Today

In January 2023, ODC made the strategic decision to join Ascend! With Ascend's partnership and shared resources, ODC is well positioned for strong innovation and growth in the years to come

The Director of Internal Audit will oversee and manage outsourced and co-sourced internal audit engagements for credit unions and community banks while helping to drive the continued growth of the firm. This role is ideal for a highly motivated professional with an entrepreneurial spirit-someone who naturally builds relationships, makes friends within the industry, and becomes a trusted advisor to client executives, Boards, and Audit Committees

Beyond managing high-quality audit delivery, the Director will play an active role in expanding the firm's presence across the credit union and community banking sectors. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, deep knowledge of financial institution operations, and a strategic mindset geared toward business development and long-term client partnership

This position is part of the firm's succession and growth strategy; therefore, top candidates will have the potential and desire to advance into partnership-level leadership, contributing to firm strategy, client engagement expansion, and overall organizational success

• Lead and oversee internal audit engagements for credit union and bank clients
• Develop annual risk-based audit plans tailored to client needs
• Evaluate internal controls, operational processes, and risk management frameworks
• Prepare and present audit reports to executive leadership, Boards, and Audit Committees
• Ensure audits comply with NCUA, FFIEC, FDIC, and state regulatory guidelines
• Provide advisory services to improve client governance, controls, and efficiency
• Supervise and mentor auditors; ensure high-quality performance and development
• Maintain strong client relationships and support business development efforts
• Monitor emerging risks and regulatory changes affecting financial institutions

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• CIA, CPA, CISA, or similar professional certification strongly preferred
• 8+ years of internal audit or risk management experience within financial institutions
• Proven leadership ability within an outsourced advisory or audit environment
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks including NCUA, FFIEC, and FDIC
• Excellent communication, analytical, and client-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines

• Experience working with credit unions and community banks
• Familiarity with IT audit practices and cybersecurity frameworks
• Ability to identify and deliver value-added recommendations
• Strong presentation and report-writing skills

A perceptive team-player who excels in a progressive & collaborative environment, blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A…