Building the Future of Crypto
Our Krakenites are a world-class team with crypto conviction, united by our desire to discover and unlock the potential of crypto and blockchain technology.
What makes us different?
Kraken is a mission-focused company rooted in crypto values. As a Krakenite, you’ll join us on our mission to accelerate the global adoption of crypto, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, Kraken’s focus on our mission and crypto ethos has attracted many of the most talented crypto experts in the world.
Before you apply, please read the Kraken Culture page to learn more about our internal culture, values, and mission. We also expect candidates to familiarize themselves with the Kraken app. Learn how to create a Kraken account here.
As a fully remote company, we have Krakenites in 70+ countries who speak over 50 languages. Krakenites are industry pioneers who develop premium crypto products for experienced traders, institutions, and newcomers to the space. Kraken is committed to industry-leading security, crypto education, and world-class client support through our products like Kraken Pro, Desktop, Wallet, and Kraken Futures.
Become a Krakenite and build the future of crypto!
Proof of work
The team
As Internal Audit Lead you are responsible for leading the global Internal Audit function. You’ll build and execute the annual audit plan, oversee the team and co-sourced partners, and ensure strong alignment with regulatory expectations. This is a unique opportunity to shape a high-impact, technology-forward audit function at the forefront of crypto and financial innovation.
This role reports to the Senior Director of Risk and Audit as part of Kraken’s Integrated Assurance function, which brings together Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management to drive a unified risk oversight strategy. The position also maintains direct reporting lines to both the Global and Local Audit Committee Chairs, preserving independence and objectivity in accordance with IIA standards and regulatory requirements.
The opportunity
Audit Leadership & Execution
- Lead the development and execution of Kraken’s global Internal Audit strategy, methodology, and multi-year audit plan, ensuring alignment with business objectives and emerging risks.
- Oversee day-to-day internal audit operations, including planning, scoping, fieldwork, and reporting across financial, operational, compliance, and IT domains.
- Manage co-sourced internal audit partners to ensure consistent audit quality, knowledge transfer, and alignment with internal standards.
- Deliver risk-based audits and issue validations that provide independent, objective assurance and actionable recommendations.
- Report audit findings, thematic risks, and control effectiveness updates to the Senior Director of Risk and Audit, Global and Local Audit Committee Chairs, and other senior stakeholders.
Innovation & Methodology
- Evolve audit methodologies by embedding automation, continuous auditing, and real-time monitoring tools across the audit lifecycle.
- Champion the adoption of Generative AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to enhance audit efficiency, coverage, and insight generation.
- Lead the Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program, ensuring ongoing compliance with IIA standards and continuous process enhancement.
- Maintain Internal Audit Charter, procedures, templates, and guidance documentation in line with leading practices.
Regulatory & Risk Alignment
- Serve as the primary Internal Audit liaison for regulators, external auditors, and examiners during inspections, walkthroughs, and formal reviews.
- Ensure Internal Audit practices meet Irish regulatory requirements (e.g., CBI PCF functions), and global regulatory expectations across jurisdictions.
- Partner with Enterprise Risk Management, Legal, Compliance, and Finance to ensure coordinated assurance coverage, reduce redundancy, and align on key risk themes.
- Participate in risk forums and cross-functional governance bodies to bring risk insights and audit perspectives into strategic decision-making.
People, Planning & Program Management
- Manage and mentor internal audit staff, providing guidance, performance feedback, and career development support.
- Develop and execute audit team training programs to ensure technical competency, regulatory awareness, and familiarity with emerging technologies.
- Track and report on key audit metrics, including team utilization, audit plan progress, budget adherence, and remediation follow-up.
- Foster strong, collaborative relationships with key business partners in Finance, Product, Technology, and Operations to support control awareness and issue resolution.
Skills you should HODL
- 10+ years of experience in internal audit, risk, consulting, or compliance
- Experience in a regulated financial services environment or fintech
- Demonstrated ability to lead audit projects, manage co-sourced engagements, and interface with senior stakeholders
- Strong knowledge of IIA standards, COSO framework, and control evaluation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field
Nice to haves
- Familiarity with digital assets, blockchain, or crypto ecosystem
- Prior experience building or scaling internal audit programs in a growth-stage company
- CPA, CIA, or similar credentials preferred. Advanced certifications (e.g. CISA, CFA) are a plus
- Exposure to global regulatory environments (e.g., CBI, CySEC, SEC)
- Experience integrating data analytics into audit planning and execution
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, remote, and cross-functional teams
#LI-Remote
This job is accepting ongoing applications and there is no application deadline.
Please note, applicants are permitted to redact or remove information on their resume that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, assessing candidates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Kraken is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate all Krakenites for their diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions and unique perspectives. We hire strictly based on merit, meaning we seek out the candidates with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills considered the most suitable for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don't fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you're passionate or knowledgable about crypto!
As an equal opportunity employer, we don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Whether that’s based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws.
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Compensation Range: $127K - $203K
