Operational Audit Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Now Brewing - principal, Internal Audit! #tobeapartner
From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.
The principal, Internal Audit plays a key leadership role in strengthening the organization's control environment, risk management practices, and governance processes. This role leads the execution of the internal audit plan, delivers high-quality assurance and advisory services, and partners with stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks while improving business performance.
The principal operates as both a strategic leader and hands-on audit professional, influencing change and driving continuous improvement across the audit function.
Summary of Key Responsibilities:
Audit Execution & Delivery
• Lead end-to-end execution of complex internal audit engagements (financial, operational, compliance, IT, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), or integrated audits), including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
• Ensure audits are completed on time, within scope, and aligned to professional standards (e.g., IIA Standards).
• Review and approve audit workpapers, findings, and final reports for quality, accuracy, and clarity.
• Identify control gaps, root causes, and actionable recommendations to strengthen the control environment.
Risk Assessment & Audit Planning
• Support development and execution of a risk-based internal audit plan aligned to enterprise priorities.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify key focus areas and emerging risks.
• Adjust audit coverage in response to changes in business strategy, systems, or regulatory requirements.
Leadership Capabilities
• Set clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage resource allocation across multiple concurrent audit engagements.
Stakeholder Management & Advisory
• Build strong relationships with senior management, business leaders, and cross-functional partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by providing insights on risk, controls, and process improvements.
• Communicate audit results and risk implications clearly and persuasively.
• Partner with external auditors and regulators as needed.
Continuous Improvement & Transformation
• Drive improvements in audit methodology, tools, and processes.
• Leverage data analytics, automation, and technology to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for continuous monitoring and more proactive, insight-driven auditing.
Governance & Reporting
• Ensure audit activities align with internal policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor management action plans and validate remediation of audit findings.
• Support Audit Committee reporting, as applicable.
Summary of Experience:
Required
• 8+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading complex audits and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong knowledge of SOX/internal controls, risk assessment, and audit methodologies.
Preferred
• Experience in a complex, global, or publicly traded organization.
• Experience with data analytics, automation, and continuous auditing techniques.
• Exposure to SOX compliance, IT audit, or operational audits.
Education and Certification:
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Professional certification(s): CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE or equivalent.
Core and Leadership Competencies:
• Strategic thinking with strong execution capability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder influence
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results
• High degree of integrity, objectivity, and professional skepticism
As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.
*If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
We believe we do our best work when we're together, which is why we're onsite four days a week.
Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!
Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.
Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com or 1(888) 611-2258.