Senior Associate, Internal Audit

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Why Ciena:

• We are big proponents of life-work integration and provide the flexibility and tools to make it a reality with remote work and potentially, part-time work.
• We believe an inclusive, diverse and barrier-free work environment makes for empowered and committed employees.
• We recognize the importance of well-being and offer programs and benefits to support and sustain the mental and physical health of our employees and their families and also offer a variety of paid family leave programs.
• We are committed to employee development, offering tuition reimbursement and a variety of in-house learning and mentorship opportunities.
• We know that financial security is important.  We offer competitive salaries and incentive programs, RSU’s (job level specific) and an employee share option purchase program.
• We realize time away to recharge is non-negotiable.  We offer flexible paid time off!
• Great work deserves recognition. We have a robust recognition program, with ongoing and enhanced awards for exemplary performance.

How You Will Contribute:

This position executes scope of work for assigned audits and supports Ciena’s success by evaluating and improving risk management, the control environment, governance processes and operational effectiveness, using a disciplined, collaborative approach in support of the Audit Committee and management.  Incumbent will conduct audit fieldwork across global processes and locations using established audit plans as a guide.  Audit tests will include manual procedures, automated tools and require creation and maintenance of workpaper evidence to support work performed.  Work may require individual contributor or team participation as dictated by audit subject matter.  Regular interaction with business partners and Internal Audit team members is required using written and verbal communications.  USA and international travel up to 20% may be required. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform financial, Sarbanes-Oxley, compliance and operational audits professionally in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Professional Practices Framework.
• Test internal controls and assess the design, execution, and effectiveness of associated key control processes.
• Assess efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities, identifying process improvements that reduce cost or errors, or improve operational efficiency.
• Interview individuals in areas under audit to gain understanding of how processes and internal controls operate. Create or modify process narratives, process flowcharts to match the current process.
• Perform audit tests with minimal direction from Senior Auditor or Manager.
• Perform transaction and compliance tests to evaluate existence, efficiency and effectiveness of internal control procedures and adequacy of control documentation.
• Assist in oral and written presentations to management during and at conclusion of audits, discussing deficiencies, corrective action and improvements in internal controls or operations.
• Prepare or assist in written audit issues for inclusion in closing meeting and audit report.
• Aid Senior Internal Auditors or Manager in evaluating risks and controls for new or revised processes.
• Create or modify test plans with minimal oversight or review from Senior Auditor or Manager in order to accomplish audit objectives.
• Prepare audit workpapers, documenting audit steps and ensuring information is clear, concise, accurate, in logical format and in accordance with standards.
• Assist external auditors by preparing workpapers and schedules.
• Assist in special projects as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of rules, regulations and standards in the fields of internal audit, accounting and related matters of interest to the department.

What Does Ciena Expect of You?

• Initiative – you’re a self-starter who works with limited direction and is committed to delivering against aggressive deadlines.
• Agility – you are readily able to make key decisions and manage competing and ever-changing account priorities and largely driven by the software development process.

• Communication expertise – you have the ability to influence and tailor your message and ideas to the audience to ensure understanding and consensus.
• The flexibility to work independently and as part of a broader team – you thrive in a multi-disciplinary team environment, but are comfortable working independently as required.
• Relationship builder – with an ability to influence, you’re able to get work done through others.
• A commitment to innovation – you keep abreast of the market and competitive developments and are always keen to formulate new ideas and problem solve.

The Must Haves:

• Required Degree: BS/BA or equivalent experience
• Preferred Degree: MBA
• 2+ years of internal audit experience in a corporate environment
• Practical auditing related experience and/or education
• Demonstrated understanding of business processes and, where applicable, related financial effects
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills
• Knowledge of the IIA International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)
• Knowledge of the COSO internal control model, Sarbanes-Oxley requirements and internal controls best practices
• Experience with MS Office applications
• Preferred Major: Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related discipline
• Preferred CA/CPA/CIA/CFE or current candidate
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Sarbanes Oxley compliance testing and operational audit experience desired
• Operations or business experience in high tech or manufacturing desired.

Assets:

• Familiarity with Oracle or similar ERP System
• Familiarity with automated audit tools ( AuditBoard, ThoughtSpot, RPA and IDEA preferred)
• Highly ethical, team oriented, flexible, inquisitive, logical
• Ability to maintain objectivity, confidentiality and integrity
• Ability to work across all levels and organizations of the company