Head of Data Analytics, Automation, AI & Continuous Auditing (DAACA)

The Head of Data Analytics, Automation, AI & Continuous Auditing (DAACA) is a leadership role within Internal Audit, responsible for defining and scaling data-driven capabilities across the audit lifecycle and within audit operations. This role combines strategy, delivery, and people leadership to embed analytics, automation, and AI into audit planning, execution, and reporting – enhancing audit quality, coverage, efficiency, and insight generation to our stakeholders. The DAACA function operates as a capability center and strategic enabler, driving innovation while ensuring alignment with Internal Audit standards, data governance, and enterprise risk priorities. You will Strategy, Transformation & Value Realization Define and execute the DAACA vision, strategy, and multi-year roadmap aligned to Internal Audit and enterprise priorities. Position DAACA as a core pillar of audit transformation, advancing continuous assurance and data-driven auditing. Identify and prioritize high-value use cases for analytics, automation, and Ai across audits and enterprise risk themes. Establish and track KPIs/KRIs (e.g., adoption, coverage expansion, cycle time reduction, insight generation, cost efficiency, etc.). Drive value realization and ROI, demonstrating measurable impact to Audit Leadership and the Audit & Risk Committee. Audit Integration & Continuous Assurance Embed analytics and automation into end-to-end audit lifecycle – risk assessment, planning, fieldwork, and reporting. Expand continuous assurance, shifting from point-in-time reviews to ongoing risk coverage. Standardize reusable analytics and control libraries to improve consistency and scalability. Partner with audit teams to increase coverage and reduce manual testing dependency. Delivery, Engineering & Capability Build Oversee development and delivery of scalable, repeatable, and well-governed solutions. Implement a product-oriented operating model (e.g., use case backlog, prioritization, iterative delivery, etc.). Ensure strong data engineering, data quality, and documentation standards. Evaluate and optimize tooling ecosystem. Balance transformative initiatives with ongoing delivery (run’ vs ‘build’). AI Enablement & Governance Oversee development and delivery of scalable, repeatable, and well-governed solutions. Lead responsible adoption of AI/GenAI within Internal Audit, include use case identification and deployment. Establish governance and controls framework(s) for AI usage in audit activities. Ensue alignment with enterprise AI, data governance, and model risk frameworks. Driver auditor upskilling on AI-enabled auditing techniques. Stakeholder Engagement & Enterprise Alignment Serve as a primary interface between Internal Audit and Technology, Data, AI, and Risk functions. Influence adoption by acting as a trusted advisor to audit leadership and business stakeholders. Partner with enterprise teams to leverage existing data assets, platforms, and capabilities. Support regulatory, QAIP, and stakeholder inquiries related to analytics, automation, and AI. People Leadership & Capability Development Oversee development and delivery of scalable, repeatable, and well-governed solutions. Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team (data analysts, data scientists, automation specialists, visualization experts, etc.). Define career paths, skill frameworks, and training programs aligned to future IA capabilities. Folster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Develop a network of “DAACA Champions” embedded across audit teams to drive adoption. You have Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Systems, Data Analytics, Engineering, etc.). 10+ years of experience in internal/external audit; 5+ years of experience implementing analytics, automation and/or AI within Internal Audit or Risk functions. Experience in AI/GenAI use cases and governance considerations. Proven ability to translate data/technology capabilities into business and audit value. Strong understanding of audit lifecycle, risk management, and control frameworks. Demonstrated people leadership and team development experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Python, SQL, Power BI/Tableau, Power Automate, Power Query, Alteryx, or similar tools. Experience with Copilot Studio and Claude Cowork. Experience in agile or product-based delivery models. Professional certifications (e.g., CIA, CISA, CPA, etc.). Reporting Relationship Reports to: Head of Internal Audit – Digital, Technology, Security, Data/AI Location /Travel Hybrid role: In office - 3 days a week, WFH - 2 days a week. Preferred locations are located at Guardian Offices in Hudson Yards, NYC; Bethlehem, PA; or Holmdel, NJ. Minimal travel is expected but up to 10% may be possible. Salary Range: $152,290.00 - $250,195.00 The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation. Our Promise At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards. Inspire Well-Being As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits . Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Accommodations Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected] . Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site. Visa Sponsorship Guardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship. Notice Regarding Guardian’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment As part of Guardian’s job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools") to automate the sorting and filtering of information provided by applicants as part of its preliminary screening. This preliminary screening may be used to help identify applicant materials and resumes relative to their indication that the applicant meets the requirements for the specific job for which they are applying, as specified in the listing posted on Guardian’s jobs website (Careers at Guardian at https://www.guardianlife.com/careers ). At Guardian, we do not use AI Tools to substantially assist or replace human judgment or discretionary decision making in our hiring process. All hiring decisions will be made by Guardian colleagues. Please be aware that if you apply for a specific position with Guardian, you will have the choice of opting out of Guardian’s use of AI Tools during the job application process. If you would like to request an alternative process that does not utilize AI Tools or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, within ten business days of your position application, you must email your request to [email protected] , making sure to provide your name and job requisition identification number. Guardian will retain your applicant materials and resume and all information therefrom in accordance with Guardian’s document retention policy, a copy of which you may request via [email protected] . Additionally, at applicable times, Guardian will make public the most recent bias audit results for such AI tools, which may be found here . Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.