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Head of Internal Audit

Upgrade

Upgrade

Accounting & Finance
San Francisco, CA, USA
USD 275k-340k / year + Equity
Posted on Aug 22, 2025

Upgrade is a fintech company that provides affordable and responsible credit, mobile banking, and payment products to everyday consumers. We were the fastest growing company in the Americas last year according to the Financial Times and Upgrade Card was the fastest growing credit card in America two years in a row. We have delivered over $33 billion in affordable and responsible credit to our 5.5M customers. The company is backed by some of the most prominent technology investors and was recently valued at $6.3B.

We have built an energizing, collaborative and inclusive culture where team members help each other, learn and innovate to move the company and its customers in the right direction, and own the outcome of their efforts.

Upgrade has been named a “Best Place to Work in the Bay Area” three years in a row, “Top Companies to work for in Arizona” and one of the "Best Engineering Department" awarded annually by Comparably. We've also received recognition for being a best company for Diversity, Women, Culture, and Veterans.

We are looking for new team members who get excited about designing and delivering new and better products to join a team of 1850 talented and dedicated professionals. Come work with us if you like to tackle big problems and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

About the Role:

The Head of Internal Audit will be responsible for leading the internal audit function of a publicly traded company, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, operational effectiveness, and effective risk management. This role requires a strategic leader who can build and guide the internal audit team, liaise with senior management and the Board of Directors, and deliver independent and objective assurance on business processes, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance.

This role will be based in our San Francisco office in a hybrid capacity (3x per week).

What You’ll Do:

  • Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit plan in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives and enterprise risk profile
  • Lead audits covering financial, operational, IT, compliance and fraud risk areas
  • Design a comprehensive risk-based audit plan to assess the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes across all business units utilizing internal resources, external auditors, co-sourcing firms and consultants as needed
  • Monitor emerging risks and adapt audit plans accordingly
  • Ensure proper follow-up and resolution of identified issues and audit recommendations
  • Serve as the primary liaison with the Audit & Risk Committee, preparing and delivering regular updates on audit activities, finding and risk insights
  • Maintain independence and objectivity in all reporting lines and audit activities
  • Provide insights and recommendations on risk mitigation strategies, enhancing the organization’s overall risk management framework.
  • Establish audit methodology, training programs and performance metrics for continuous improvement
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, addressing any gaps in internal control systems
  • Stay current with internal audit best practices and relevant technology trends (e.g., automation, cybersecurity, fraud)
  • Support the finance team in setting up and maintaining SOX 404 and financial reporting compliance
  • Leverage technology and data analytics to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness

What We Look For:

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in internal audit, risk management, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
  • Experience working within a publicly traded company in the financial services sector and familiarity with SEC reporting requirements, SOX and PCAOB standards
  • Strong knowledge of internal auditing standards, risk management frameworks (e.g., COSO), governance, and compliance practices
  • Proven experience in developing and executing risk-based audit plans in complex and dynamic environments
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact with senior management and the Board of Directors
  • High level of integrity, objectivity, and professionalism
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Accountant (CA)

What We Offer You:

  • Competitive salary and stock option plan
  • 100% paid coverage of medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible PTO
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health & wellness initiatives

The compensation range of this position in San Francisco, CA is USD $275,000 - $340,000 annually plus bonus, equity and benefits. Within this range, an individual's base pay will be dependent on a variety of factors, including without limitation, job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Upgrade does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, search firms, or any third parties. Any resume submitted to any employee of Upgrade without a prior written agreement in place will be considered the property of Upgrade, and Upgrade will not be obligated to pay any referral or placement fee. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Upgrade's Talent Acquisition department to submit resumes and only in conjunction with a valid, fully executed agreement.