Director Of Internal Audit

Who We Are

About ODC

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.

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 We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths.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.

We partner with regional, entrepreneurial firms and provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive in today's dynamic market. This includes access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition, top-tier technology, transformative leadership, shared back-office services, & more. Founded in January 2023, Ascend has already attained revenues sufficient to qualify as a Top 30 U.S. accounting firm. Explore Ascend, where your career soars without sacrificing your quality of life.

The Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Who We Look For

A perceptive team-player who excels in a progressive & collaborative environment, blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented leader who embodies critical thinking & high standards. A proactive professional, committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity & innovation. Individuals who seek to embrace the unique quality of life offered only in the PNW.

Why ODC?

The Director of Internal Audit will be joining a fast‑growing, innovative advisory firm recognized as one of the top providers of internal audit and risk management services in the Western United States. The firm operates in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment where new ideas are encouraged, collaboration is expected, and professionals are empowered to deliver meaningful impact for credit union and community banking clients.

Team members thrive in a culture built on integrity, curiosity, and continuous improvement. The pace is fast, the work is intellectually engaging, and opportunities for growth-both professional and leadership-are significant.

Location

The firm offers remote work flexibility, allowing team members to work from home while remaining highly connected to colleagues and clients through virtual collaboration tools. Limited travel is required for client onsite engagements, relationship-building activities, and key firm meetings. This approach supports strong work‑life balance while maintaining the high‑touch service model clients value.

What We Offer

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Scheduling Options
• Innovative Workplan System
• $500 annual Vacation Incentive
• Firm-wide shutdown Dec 24 - Jan 1
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Equity Program Eligibility at Sr. Manager Level + top performing Managers

How to Apply

Submit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:

• Basic contact information
• Resume/CV and optional cover letter upload
• Work eligibility and compensation
• Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions

The annual base salary range for this role is $125,000-$160,000. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education and/or skill level.

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.