Director, Internal Audit & SOX Compliance

This is a hybrid/remote position preferably near our Tampa, FL, Baltimore/DC, or Huntsville, AL locations. This position will have frequent travel.

The Director of Internal Audit and SOX Compliance will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company’s internal control environment over financial reporting (ICFR) in alignment with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements. This role is critical for ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating financial and operational risks, and supporting the business in a high-growth defense sector environment.

Essential Functions

• Own the end-to-end SOX 404 compliance program, including scoping, risk assessment, control documentation, testing, deficiency evaluation, and management reporting.
• Develop and execute an annual internal audit plan focused on financial reporting risks, emerging business risks, M&A activity, new accounting standards, and regulatory developments.
• Partner with process and control owners to document, assess, and improve key business processes and internal controls; coordinate with external auditors on testing strategies, reliance expectations, and audit timelines.
• Lead and manage internal audit staff, including hiring, training, performance reviews, career development, and succession planning; oversee external service providers and monitor budgets.
• Work closely with Finance, Accounting, Legal, IT, HR, and business unit leaders to embed compliance into operations and ensure alignment with executive leadership, CFO, and Audit Committee.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, monitor control effectiveness, and deliver SOX progress updates, control reviews, and remediation status reports to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Integrate data analytics and AI-assisted audit tools to improve coverage, efficiency, and impact of audit activities.
• Perform other duties as needed
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices..
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Security Clearance-Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.
• Deep knowledge of SOX 404 requirements, ICFR design and testing, IT general controls, and risk-based auditing.
• Familiarity with defense industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Ability to work with geographically diverse teams.
• Excellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the strategic function of the department.
• Develops short and long-term people and organizational strategy in alignment with AEVEX goals and direction.
• Leads with impact & influence. Establishes credibility, effectively persuades and develops others, and achieves important objectives collaboratively.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication. • Proven ability to build and lead high-performing audit teams, manage budgets, and influence senior leadership decisions.
• Leads with impact & influence. Establishes credibility, effectively persuades and develops others, and achieves important objectives collaboratively.
• Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals

Education / Certifications

• MBA or degree in finance, accounting, or related field preferred • CPA, CISA, or other relevant certifications

Experience

• 10+ years in internal audit, SOX compliance, and financial controls
• Leadership experience in a public company setting

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: Physical Requirements Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

About AEVEX 

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.