Sr Auditor

The principal purpose of this position is to conduct Internal Audit’s assurance activities over financial reporting processes executed by each of the various brand, accounting, and administrative functions that support preparation of Darden’s consolidated financial statements. Audit focus is on compliance with technical accounting and financial reporting guidance, Company and/or functional policies, procedures and guidelines, and other regulatory requirements. This position will primarily serve to complete internal control testing required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and provide direct assistance to Darden’s external auditors in their quarterly/annual audit procedures.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform financial audits of Darden brand, accounting and administrative functions to assess compliance with technical accounting and financial reporting guidance, Company and/or functional policies, procedures and guidelines, and other regulatory requirements
• Develop and execute test plans that assess the design adequacy and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting required under SOX and other relevant guidance
• Provide audit and liaison assistance to independent auditors in their performance of quarterly reviews and annual audit of Darden??s consolidated financial statements
• Provide audit and liaison assistance to independent auditors in their performance of other annual financial statement audits (e.g., employee benefit plans, foundation, etc)
• Research technical accounting and financial reporting guidance as needed. Ensure the nature, extent and timing of audit procedures allows for effective and efficient audit of assigned areas, leveraging technology and continuous audit techniques where appropriate
• Prepare periodic audit, financial reporting and special project reports/summaries for distribution to Audit Committee and management
• Deliver efficient operational, vendor, compliance, investigative and governance-related audits and other assurance services that demonstrate customer focus and value added benefit to the business

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Three (3) to four (4) years in public accounting and auditing or equivalent experience
• Experience in executing or reviewing SOX documentation, testing and reporting requirements
• Experience in planning, executing, concluding and documenting audit work

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, and Business Administration (or related field)

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Self-starter, with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and produce accurate, descriptive and timely results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interact well with others on a direct basis

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (or related field)
• Proficiency with TeamMate, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Business Intelligence, Hyperion, and Discoverer software applications, as well as data retrieval and analysis tools such as IDEA or ACL, a plus
• Experience in developing and executing data sampling strategies
• Experience in evaluating or auditing restaurant industry financial transactions, systems, and operations a plus