Senior Internal Auditor (m/f/d)

Adidas is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders (incl. gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities*. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees.

*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

A role in Audit, Risk & Controls at adidas offers the opportunity to work with colleagues across the business, explore complex topics and contribute to well-informed decisions in an environment shaped by evolving risks, opportunities and technologies. Through working across different Markets, Functions and end-to-end processes, you will gain insight into various parts of the company and develop a broad understanding of how adidas operates.

As an independent and objective function, we are here to be a value-add business partner, supporting the company navigate risks and opportunities to achieve business objectives, and a home ground for talents to grow. Our work supports effective governance, risk management and internal controls and contributes to adidas’ ambition to be the best sports brand in the world.

Your work can inform decisions at the highest levels of the company, with key insights and results presented to senior leadership and the Executive Board. You will also have opportunities to apply data, AI and technology, contribute to practical improvements and build expertise through varied assignments.

The purpose of this role is to deliver high-quality work and specialist insight, enabling the team to provide credible conclusions and practical value to adidas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and execute with limited supervision all phases of audit projects i.e. planning, execution, completion & reporting, and follow-up as assigned. Complete quality, thorough and fact-based documentation of project work throughout all deliverables.
• Planning: Participate in audit risk assessments and project scope definition; organize and attend planning inquiry meetings; collect and review relevant information in advance of project; document relevant information supporting the final audit risk assessment and project scope definition; actively support opening presentation preparation.
• Fieldwork: Execute audit procedures and work programs timely; conclude project work with fair and objective results including audit rating; update Project Lead and Project Reviewer on all key observations and react based on feedback continuously; update observations, validate issues and collaboratively identify solutions with stakeholders (e.g. audit entity management and HQ functions).
• Completion & Reporting: Document detailed observations and recommendations; contribute to the closing presentation/audit report content based on work performed during fieldwork; support the Project Lead in determining the audit rating; present topics of responsibility during the audit closing meeting; perform cross-review and quality checks of completed deliverables as appropriate.
• Data Analytics (DA): Execute accurate and insightful data analytics through timely identification of opportunities, data sources, data exploration in relevant systems (e.g., SAP), data extraction and relevant analysis in consultation with the Project Lead and DA team to provide greater audit assurance. This should also include visualization of results to deliver impactful and actionable data insights to key stakeholders.
• Follow-up: Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations."Continuously develop professional expertise and deepen understanding of adidas’ business, processes and operating environment.
• Identify and implement improvements to processes and tools, and support and/or lead the delivery of small-scale to medium-scale team initiatives.
• Deliver high-quality work with appropriate independence and collaborate effectively with relevant stakeholders.
• Obtain breadth of understanding of key processes, systems, initiatives and business models and continuously develop professional expertise.
• Apply approved AI and automation responsibly to enhance quality and efficiency and, where relevant, test and improve AI-enabled workflows or agents. Protect information, validate outputs and retain accountability for all conclusions and deliverables.

Key Relationships:

• SVP and Senior Leadership Team of Audit, Risk & Controls.
• Audit, Risk & Controls team, including Internal Audit, Risk Intelligence & Technology, and Internal Controls.
• Colleagues and stakeholders worldwide.
• Key Governance functions: Market & GBS Internal Controls, Legal & Compliance, Employee Relations, Data Privacy, etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Solution-oriented, adaptable, self-motivated, driven and committed team player with integrity and perseverance. Able to accept and meet deadlines, involving effective time management capacity and sense of priorities and agility.
• Good analytical capabilities to manage large volume of information from various sources (interviews, data) and derive meaningful observations. Experience with data analytics extremely beneficial.
• Good interpersonal skills combined with a high degree of customer orientation; can adapt and navigate easily within a changing environment and complex organizations; able to connect with a variety of functions, audiences, management styles, or cultures and create/foster stakeholder relationships.
• Curious and growth mindset, keen to learn and approach subjects outside of comfort zone, able to think critically and bring in different perspectives (e.g. transferable skills).
• Fluent English required; additional languages are advantageous.
• Willingness to travel globally (approx. 40%).
• Able to present and communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• University degree in a business-related discipline (e.g. Accounting/Controlling/Finance, Business Administration, International Business etc.).
• 2-3 years of assurance, advisory or consulting experience, preferably within a multi-national organization or professional services firm.
• Strong interest, passion or practical experience in the consumer products industry.
• Professional designations (e.g. CIA, CPA, CISA, CRMA, CFE, etc.) preferred.
• Willingness to learn and responsibly apply digital and AI-enabled tools. Practical experience with AI, automation or building AI agents is beneficial where relevant.