Internal Audit Associate Director

Company: Community Financial System, Inc.
Location: Buffalo
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Overview At Community Financial System, Inc. (CFSI), we are dedicated to providing our customers with friendly, personalized, high-quality financial services and products. Our retail division, Community Bank, N.A., operates more than 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont and Western Massachusetts. Beyond retail banking, we also offer commercial banking, wealth management, investment management, insurance and risk management, and benefit plan administration. Just as our employees are committed to helping our customers manage their finances, we’re committed to our employees. After all, they make it happen for our customers every day. To ensure our people can enjoy long and successful careers here at CFSI, we offer competitive compensation, great benefits, and professional development and advancement opportunities. As an equal-opportunity workplace and affirmative-action employer, we celebrate and support a diverse workplace for the benefit of all: our employees, customers and communities. Responsibilities This position is responsible for providing support to the Director of Internal Audit in fulfillment of departmental goals and objectives. The Associate Director will be responsible for providing oversight to the Internal Audit team in the execution of the audit plan in accordance with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF); while managing and developing the team. The Associate Director will help to oversee and implement a comprehensive risk-based program for the Company, including banking and non-banking entities. The Associate Director is expected to build and continually develop a reputation as a trusted partner to the Director of Internal Audit, Management, and other Risk Management functions within the company. In accordance with the Department's values, the Associate Director must maintain professionalism, integrity, and objectivity, ensure strict code of ethics and corporate confidentiality. Essential Responsibilities: Assist in the annual risk assessment process and audit plan development. Manage and oversee execution of a comprehensive, risk-based audit plan. Allocate and deploy audit resources efficiently to achieve plan objectives. Enhance audit programs to align with policy, procedure, regulatory requirements, and best practices. Identify and document opportunities for process improvements throughout audit activities. Lead maturity of the audit data analytics program (e.g., Power BI) and support AI/automation initiatives. Oversee day-to-day operations of the department. Review audit workpapers, findings, and reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and evidence-based conclusions consistent with Global IIA Standards. Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development for audit staff. Administer and support the audit management solution. Monitor remediation progress and ensure timely resolution of audit findings. Prepare departmental reporting: audit plan status, trends, resourcing, and budgeting. Manage outsourced audits and examinations; coordinate with internal partners, external auditors, and regulators. Monitor emerging risks and communicate with the Director and audit team. Build and maintain strong working relationships with management and stakeholders. Monitor key performance indicators. Ensure ongoing compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and training requirements Maintains independence, objectivity, and adherence to the IIA Code of Ethics. Perform special projects or other duties as assigned. Position requires 20-25% travel. Maintain proficient knowledge of, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to this position, ensure ongoing adherence to policies, procedures, and internal controls, and meet all training requirements in a timely manner Ancillary Duties: Provide assistance across the Internal Audit Department and the Company as needed to support annual goals and strategic initiatives. Qualifications Education, Training and Requirements: B.S. or BA degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required. Preferred certifications: CIA, CPA, CISA, CFIRS, CAMS. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, research and investigative skills with intellectual rigor. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; proven ability to influence and be a trusted advisor. Hands on experience with data analytics and technology; knowledge of information systems and security controls preferred. Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and professionalism. Experience managing outsourced engagements and external examiners. Experience: Ten or more years of progressive financial, operational and compliance auditing with experience in financial services including banking, wealth management, investment management, insurance, and/or benefit plan administration preferred. Progressive supervisory/managerial experience is required.

Keywords: Community Financial System, Inc., Tonawanda , Internal Audit Associate Director, Accounting, Auditing , Buffalo, New York