Executive Director & Head of Internal Audit at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

Executive Director & Head of Internal Audit 

Work Style: Hybrid requiring 2x weekly onsite in San Rafael, Ca

This is not a remote position

Are you a well-rounded business partner with an in-depth internal audit leadership background, and are you looking to take internal audit at an ambitious biotech to the next level? Come talk to us.

Who We Are

BioMarin Internal Audit is committed to helping BioMarin achieve its full potential in transforming patient’s lives by minimizing overall company risk.

We pride ourselves in being objective and independent of the areas we assess, while maintaining our commitment to advance the organization. We provide independent assurance to the board of directors and management. Our disciplined approach evaluates the effectiveness of BioMarin’s risk management, control and governance processes. We also assist with investigations and proactive advisory projects.

An open and transparent partnership helps us develop the appropriate context and understanding of the issues at hand, minimize surprises, and drive greater value in the outcomes.

In carrying out our mission, we pledge to:

• Be a trusted partner
• Lead with integrity & enthusiasm
• Focus on what matters
• Share industry practices

Job Summary:

You are the head of the Internal Audit department and oversee all assurance and advisory engagements. The head Internal Audit is responsible for the Internal Audit function, liaising with Company management on risk assessments, audit planning and audit issues, as well as reporting the Internal Audit plan to the BioMarin Leadership Team and the Audit Committee.

You will have primary responsibility for carrying out the mission of the function; to enhance and protect organizational value; and help improve BioMarin’s business operations by providing risk-based, independent, and objective assurance, advice, and insight. The Internal Audit team has developed trusted partnerships with all levels of management and conducts their engagements with high degrees of transparency and enthusiasm. We truly believe that when our internal business partners succeed, we all succeed in serving our patients. This requires the head of Internal Audit to demonstrate both significant internal audit leadership experience and exceptional business partnering skills. You also bring in-depth experience in innovative approaches to providing assurance, including leveraging technology to provide risk and assurance insights.

You ensure that the Internal Audit function operates in conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.

You will dually report to the Audit Committee Chair as well the Chief Financial Officer, and will be responsible for establishing, implementing and leading a team of five internal auditors, most of which are based in San Rafael, California.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop a risk-based audit plan addressing key business practices, financial processes and controls, operational areas and information technology, and related security activities, and discuss with senior management and subsequently present to the Audit Committee for their review and approval.
• Execute the annual audit plan, oversee the audit and advisory engagements and conduct quality reviews of the individual audit engagements as well as the overall Internal Audit program.
• Communicate results of engagement and other activities, including any significant risk exposures and control issues, fraud risks, governance issues and other matters requiring attention to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Conduct appropriate follow-up on corrective action plans and periodically report to senior management and the Audit Committee on plans not effectively implemented.
• Develop and direct the conduct of audits of several key third parties (e.g., vendors, collaborations, etc.).
• Coordinate risk assessment and audit/monitoring coverages with key second line assurance functions, such as compliance, SOX, etc.
• Assist, as needed and requested by compliance, in investigations of suspected non-compliance, improprieties, or fraud.
• Complete other assurance or advisory engagements as requested and appropriate.
• Review, at least bi-annually, the internal audit charter with the Audit Committee to determine whether any changes to the function’s mission, responsibilities, or authority are necessary.
• Develop annual budget and resource plan to complete the audit plan and fulfill the internal audit function’s responsibilities.
• Periodically communicate performance against the audit plan to senior management and the Audit Committee and recommend changes to the audit plan based on new and emerging risks.
• Establish, implement, and proactively maintain an appropriate organizational structure with respect to number, level, staffing structure (mix of internal/external resources) and competencies, as well as effectively develop staff and succession plans across all levels.
• Drive the use of the internal audit department as a source for top financial and operational talent into the company. Create an environment, via active collaboration with heads of other functional areas, where the audit staff is being recruited and developed to fill key positions throughout the company.
• Maintain a dialogue with other industry colleagues from professional audit organizations and commercial enterprises to keep abreast of industry issues and trends in audit proves and technique.

Qualifications and other requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA) is preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in internal auditing, with at least 8 years in a leadership role.
• Strong technical internal audit skills, including anti-corruption/anti-bribery, IT audit, data analytics, and Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
• Solid knowledge of governance, risk management and compliance program frameworks
• Proven experience in developing and implementing risk-based audit plans.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to various stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience, including audit experience, in life sciences is strongly preferred.
• Familiar with operating conditions across diverse ex-US markets, including mature and emerging markets is desirable.

• This position will be fully on-site for in line with Company policies (currently: hybrid model).
• Travel (US and ex-US): 15-20%.