Group Head of Internal Audit

Talcott Financial Group is an international life insurance group and the industry’s trusted partner for comprehensive risk solutions. Talcott creatively designs and expertly delivers responsive solutions that transfer risk and manage capital in a way that supports the strategic needs of insurers today and into the future.

Talcott Financial Group has a proven track record of well-executed transactions, and the enterprise benefits from its strong financial position with over $120 billion in assets under management, its investment-grade financial strength ratings, and its partnership with Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm.

Talcott Financial Group’s two core business platforms include: U.S. based Talcott Resolution and Bermuda and Cayman based Talcott Re.

Location:

Hartford, CT (Hybrid, minimum on-site three days per week, Tuesday to Thursday)

Overview

As our Group Head of Internal Audit, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of internal controls across our life and annuity insurance operations. Reporting directly to the Chair of the Audit Committee with functional reporting through the Chief Legal Officer and with close working relationships with the Chief Financial Officer, you will lead the internal audit function for the group, overseeing audit activities and providing assurance to the Board on the adequacy of risk management processes and governance structures. The scope of Internal Audit is to focus on operational audits (e.g. investment management, claims management, liability inforce management, underwriting, etc.) as well as to test internal controls over financial reporting. Separate from Internal Audit is a management internal controls / SOX team whose scope is to assist with the design of internal controls, assessing materiality and scoping of relevant controls. The internal audit team will be expected to work closely with the management internal controls / SOX team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Internal Audit function, overseeing the comprehensive evaluation of operational processes.
• Provide proactive guidance to enhance process efficiency and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks across various business functions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and contractual obligations.
• Conduct thorough testing to assess the performance and effectiveness of controls, including controls over financial reporting, allowing the management internal controls/SOX team to focus on strengthening the control structure while Internal Audit verifies the effective performance of intended controls.
• Prepare and present internal audit reports to the Board of Directors and senior management, highlighting areas of risk and opportunities for improvement within the Group operations.
• Collaborate closely with the first-line team to design and deploy effective and efficient processes and controls, tailored to operational functions.
• Promote accountability within the first-line team for the continual refinement and execution of processes and controls.
• Develop and maintain clear and concise documentation for operational procedures, ensuring alignment with internal policies and external regulations.
• Engage in cross-functional initiatives to enhance operational integrity and foster a culture of compliance and risk awareness. Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and regulatory developments to inform audit strategies and priorities.
• Leverage the testing skills of Internal Audit to avoid any actual or perceived independence issues while ensuring the effectiveness of control performance.
• Drive the development and implementation of strategies to address emerging risks and regulatory changes.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, external auditors and third party service providers to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Internal Audit and Controls/SOX teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA) preferred.
• Minimum of 15-20 years’ relevant audit experience gained within the insurance or financial services industry, with significant leadership experience as Head of Internal Audit.
• Proven track record in leading and managing internal audit teams, fostering excellence and continuous improvement within a rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrable ability to operate as a commercially minded, strategic business partner to support the company’s continued growth and development.
• Deep knowledge and experience in the design and oversight of processes and controls for the operational functions of a large insurance or financial services company.
• Strong understanding of risk management principles, internal control frameworks, and regulatory requirements relevant to insurance operations, including knowledge of US GAAP and US Statutory Accounting Guidelines.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling the establishment of strong relationships at all organizational levels.
  
  

Additional Qualities

• Commitment to integrity, respect, and accountability, with a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles and meeting commitments.
• Willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and drive towards optimal outcomes.
• Deep expertise in business process documentation, risk assessment methodologies, process design, and improvement.
• Proficiency in control testing methods and a personality conducive to both collaboration and enforcement of remediation needs and control changes.
• Talcott Resolution is an equal employment and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, ancestry or citizenship status, genetic information, pregnancy status or any other characteristic protected by law. Talcott Resolution maintains a drug-free workplace and is committed to building inclusion and leveraging diversity. For more information regarding our Privacy Policy, please go to https://talcott.com/onlineprivacypolicy/onlineprivacypolicy.html
  
  

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