Head of Internal Audit

Cognex is the world’s leading provider of vision systems, software, sensors, and industrial barcode readers used in manufacturing automation.   Cognex vision helps companies improve product quality, eliminate production errors, lower manufacturing costs, and exceed consumer expectations for high quality products at an affordable price.   Typical applications for machine vision include detecting defects, monitoring production lines, guiding assembly robots, and tracking, sorting and identifying parts.

Cognex serves an international customer base from offices located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and through a global network of integration and distribution partners. The company is headquartered close to Boston in Natick, Massachusetts, USA.

Role:

The Head of Internal Audit is responsible for leading the internal audit function globally to ensure the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. This role involves developing and executing a comprehensive audit plan, providing independent and objective evaluations, and offering recommendations to enhance the organization’s operations and compliance.

Essential Functions:

• Building-out the company’s Internal Audit function including its resourcing (internal & external), processes, budget, and deliverables.

• Perform a risk assessment of the business and develop the annual Internal Audit plan for review and approval by the Audit Committee of the Board.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls (SOX), risk management, and governance processes.

• Oversee the execution of audits, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

• Present and report to management and the Audit Committee, highlighting key operational and financial risks assessed, any control deficiencies identified, and remediation plans implemented.

• Build a high performing team by building skills through coaching, mentoring and ongoing training and development. This is a newly established function which will start with one direct report and is expected to grow over time.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CIA) is preferred.

• Proven experience in internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, with at least 5-7 years in a leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of auditing standards, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Must be a pro-active and action-oriented leader with excellent interpersonal skills and a desire to work in a highly collaborative and team-oriented environment.

• Strong management and leadership skills.

• Readiness for international travel.