Sr Manager, Internal Audit
Date: May 7, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60607
Company: McDonald's Corporation
Company Description:
McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.
At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.
Position Summary
The Senior Manager, Internal Audit is a key leader within the Global Internal Audit (GIA) function, responsible for leading risk‑based operational audits across the U.S. Market and Corporate functions.
Reporting to the Senior Director, this role partners closely with business and functional leadership to deliver high‑quality, forward‑looking assurance and insights that enhance risk management, governance, and operational effectiveness. The Senior Manager plays an important role in continuing to modernize and elevate GIA by driving strong audit execution, professional judgment, and practical, value‑adding recommendations.
Key Responsibilities
Audit Leadership & Execution
- Lead the successful execution of a portfolio of operational and compliance‑focused internal audits, ensuring engagements are delivered on time, on budget, and in accordance with GIA methodology and IIA Standards.
- Provide hands‑on leadership throughout the audit lifecycle, including planning, risk assessment, fieldwork, issue evaluation, and reporting.
- Ensure audit conclusions are supported by sound judgment, high‑quality documentation, and clear linkage to underlying risks.
- Maintain a strong focus on root cause identification, issue severity, and the sustainability of management action plans.
Risk Assessment & Audit Planning
- Support annual and ongoing risk assessment activities and contribute to the development and refinement of the audit plan.
- Identify emerging operational, compliance, and strategic risks impacting the U.S. Market and Corporate functions.
- Proactively adjust audit scope and focus based on changes in the risk environment, business priorities, and transformation initiatives.
Stakeholder Partnership & Influence
- Build trusted relationships with senior leaders and functional stakeholders through effective communication, constructive challenge, and practical insights.
- Lead sensitive risk discussions and deliver clear, concise audit results tailored to executive audiences.
- Act as a thought partner to the business by sharing trends, best practices, and forward‑looking perspectives on risk and control effectiveness.
Quality, Methodology & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure audit work complies with GIA standards, methodology, and reporting expectations.
- Mentor teams on audit quality, professional judgment, and effective risk articulation.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen audit execution through improved planning, use of data and analytics, and standardized ways of working.
- Contribute to internal initiatives that enhance audit processes, tools, and overall function maturity.
People Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, coach, and develop audit team members, providing timely feedback, mentorship, and performance management aligned to GIA expectations.
- Build and sustain a high‑performing, inclusive team culture grounded in integrity, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Support succession planning and develop future audit leaders through meaningful stretch opportunities.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required.
- Master’s degree preferred.
Certifications
- CPA or CIA required.
Experience
- 8+ years of progressive internal audit, external audit, and/or risk assurance experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex operational audits within large, global organizations
- Proven ability to partner effectively with senior leaders and influence outcomes without direct authority
- Experience leading and developing audit professionals
- Strong understanding of the IIA Standards.
Critical Skills & Competencies
Technical
- Strong foundation in operational auditing, internal controls, risk assessment, and IIA Standards
- Proficiency with audit management systems and data analytics tools
Leadership & Interpersonal
- Ability to lead through influence, guide teams, and manage divergent stakeholder interests
- Strong written and verbal communication; able to convey complex issues to executives
- High learning agility and intellectual curiosity with a continuous improvement mindset
Strategic & Operational
- Ability to identify complex, multi‑dimensional risk/control issues and create innovative solutions
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead teams through ambiguity and change
Compensation
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Long - Term Incentive: Yes
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this role is $141,955.00 - $177,444.00 per year
The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.
Additional Information:
Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance.
Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.
Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.
McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago