Internal Audit Lead

Building the Future of Crypto

Our Krakenites are a world-class team with crypto conviction, united by our desire to discover and unlock the potential of crypto and blockchain technology.

Kraken is a mission-focused company rooted in crypto values. As a Krakenite, you'll join us on our mission to accelerate the global adoption of crypto, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, Kraken's focus on our mission and crypto ethos has attracted many of the most talented crypto experts in the world.

As Internal Audit Lead you are responsible for leading the global Internal Audit function. You'll build and execute the annual audit plan, oversee the team and co-sourced partners, and ensure strong alignment with regulatory expectations. This is a unique opportunity to shape a high-impact, technology-forward audit function at the forefront of crypto and financial innovation.

This role reports to the Senior Director of Risk and Audit as part of Kraken's Integrated Assurance function, which brings together Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management to drive a unified risk oversight strategy. The position also maintains direct reporting lines to both the Global and Local Audit Committee Chairs, preserving independence and objectivity in accordance with IIA standards and regulatory requirements.

The Opportunity

Audit Leadership & Execution

Lead the development and execution of Kraken's global Internal Audit strategy, methodology, and multi-year audit plan, ensuring alignment with business objectives and emerging risks.

Oversee day-to-day internal audit operations, including planning, scoping, fieldwork, and reporting across financial, operational, compliance, and IT domains.

Manage co-sourced internal audit partners to ensure consistent audit quality, knowledge transfer, and alignment with internal standards.

Deliver risk-based audits and issue validations that provide independent, objective assurance and actionable recommendations.

Report audit findings, thematic risks, and control effectiveness updates to the Senior Director of Risk and Audit, Global and Local Audit Committee Chairs, and other senior stakeholders.

Innovation & Methodology

Evolve audit methodologies by embedding automation, continuous auditing, and real-time monitoring tools across the audit lifecycle.

Champion the adoption of Generative AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to enhance audit efficiency, coverage, and insight generation.

Lead the Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program, ensuring ongoing compliance with IIA standards and continuous process enhancement.

Maintain Internal Audit Charter, procedures, templates, and guidance documentation in line with leading practices.

Regulatory & Risk Alignment

Serve as the primary Internal Audit liaison for regulators, external auditors, and examiners during inspections, walkthroughs, and formal reviews.

Ensure Internal Audit practices meet Irish regulatory requirements (e.g., CBI PCF functions), and global regulatory expectations across jurisdictions.

Partner with Enterprise Risk Management, Legal, Compliance, and Finance to ensure coordinated assurance coverage, reduce redundancy, and align on key risk themes.

Participate in risk forums and cross-functional governance bodies to bring risk insights and audit perspectives into strategic decision-making.

People, Planning & Program Management

Manage and mentor internal audit staff, providing guidance, performance feedback, and career development support.

Develop and execute audit team training programs to ensure technical competency, regulatory awareness, and familiarity with emerging technologies.

Track and report on key audit metrics, including team utilization, audit plan progress, budget adherence, and remediation follow-up.

Foster strong, collaborative relationships with key business partners in Finance, Product, Technology, and Operations to support control awareness and issue resolution.

Skills You Should Hodl

10+ years of experience in internal audit, risk, consulting, or compliance

Experience in a regulated financial services environment or fintech

Demonstrated ability to lead audit projects, manage co-sourced engagements, and interface with senior stakeholders

Strong knowledge of IIA standards, COSO framework, and control evaluation

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field

Nice to Haves

Familiarity with digital assets, blockchain, or crypto ecosystem

Prior experience building or scaling internal audit programs in a growth-stage company

CPA, CIA, or similar credentials preferred. Advanced certifications (e.g. CISA, CFA) are a plus

Exposure to global regulatory environments (e.g., CBI, CySEC, SEC)

Experience integrating data analytics into audit planning and execution

Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, remote, and cross-functional teams