Internal Auditor

We are hiring an Internal Auditor, reporting to the CFO. This role covers multiple Canonical corporate entities in several countries.

This is a unique opportunity for an astute and forward-thinking professional to build the audit function from the ground up at a profitable, fast-growing technology company. We're looking for someone with a keen interest in technology and how technology is changing the tax profession, who can translate that insight into a modern, effective strategy and hands-on execution.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you will design and own internal audit processes that support our global expansion. Your primary challenge will be navigating the complexity of our internal environment, where scale, controls, and automation are priority. You will work with the CFO to establish a scalable and efficient framework fit for a dynamic, global software business. You will also report the status of internal audit to the Audit committee.

In our selection process, we prioritize intellect and strategic thinking over years of experience. We are looking for someone with a strong academic background, a professional qualification and demonstrable exposure to a multilayered global operational environment.

Location:This role will be based remotely in AMER or EMEA time zones, with an option to office based in London, UK.

The role entails

• Establish, develop and maintain the infrastructure for internal audit: templates, risk registers and reporting cadences.
• Conduct the end-to-end internal audit cycle. This includes planning, performing walkthroughs, testing controls, and documenting every step with precision.
• Evaluate global policies and processes to identify gaps and work with process owners to implement scalable improvements.
• Partner with operational stakeholders to identify areas of elevated risk, execute internal audits, and drive corrective actions. 
• Deliver actionable insights on risk and controls effectiveness to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on new initiatives to ensure risk mitigation is planned appropriately.
• Develop risk-based internal audit programs, as well as monitor remediation of identified issues to closure.  

What we are looking for in you

• Exceptional academic track record from both high school and university.
• Undergraduate degree in business, finance, economics, technology or other quantitative field.
• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Prior experience in an internal audit function.
• Confidence to respectfully speak up, exchange feedback, hold colleagues accountable, and share ideas without hesitation.
• Track record of going above-and-beyond expectations to achieve outstanding results.
• The work ethic and confidence to shine alongside motivated colleagues.
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Thoughtfulness and self-motivation.
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments.
• International travel 2-4 times a year for company events up to two weeks long.

Nice-to-have skills

• Leadership ability.
• Software or tech industry experience.
• Public company finance and reporting experience.

What we offer colleagues

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We assess performance and revisit compensation twice annually to ensure we recognize outstanding colleagues. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Bi-annual compensation review.
• Company recognition rewards.
• 40 days annual leave per annum, including public holidays and our All Company holiday periods.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform.
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues, with Priority Pass for lounge access.

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. We are founder-led, profitable, and growing.

Powered by worldwide distributed collaboration since our inception in 2004, we believe tech and business leadership can emerge anywhere. We have no central headquarters. Most of us work from home, but we are exceptionally disciplined about this. We have very high expectations of all colleagues, and are champions of excellence. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.