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Director, Business Optimization (AP Audits)
We are looking for a strategic and entrepreneurial leader to guide an Accounts Payable recovery audit function in Santa Ana, California. This position is well suited for a senior audit specialist who can shape client strategy, strengthen operational performance, and communicate financial value to executive stakeholders. The role combines practice leadership, client advisory work, and team development within a fast-paced services environment focused on measurable cost optimization.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Direct the Accounts Payable recovery audit practice, leading client engagements, team delivery, and overall financial performance for the function.<br>• Oversee the full audit process, including data intake, review preparation, exception analysis, claim support, and recovery monitoring.<br>• Work closely with client finance, procurement, and shared services leaders to uncover duplicate disbursements, missed credits, overpayments, and vendor-related compliance gaps.<br>• Design tailored audit approaches that use data analysis, automation, and benchmarking insights to identify savings opportunities and underlying process issues.<br>• Present audit results, recovery opportunities, and operational improvement recommendations to senior executives such as CFOs, controllers, and procurement leaders.<br>• Lead recovery discussions with vendors and suppliers, securing funds on behalf of clients while maintaining accurate support and clear reporting.<br>• Build strong client and supplier relationships that support efficient claim resolution and long-term engagement success.<br>• Drive practice expansion by identifying new business opportunities, supporting strategic initiatives, and contributing to revenue and profitability goals.<br>• Mentor and develop team members, setting direction, promoting accountability, and building leadership capability within the group.
• Significant experience in internal audit, recovery audit, accounts payable audit, or a closely related financial review environment.<br>• Demonstrated leadership background with responsibility for managing teams, client engagements, and business performance.<br>• Strong knowledge of audit program design, annual audit planning, and corporate internal audit practices.<br>• Ability to evaluate financial data, identify control weaknesses, and translate findings into practical business recommendations.<br>• Experience presenting to senior stakeholders and influencing decision-makers through clear, credible communication.<br>• Proven success managing client relationships and leading discussions involving negotiations, findings, and recovery outcomes.<br>• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to work across audit data, reporting tools, and Excel-based analysis.
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  • Santa Ana, CA
  • onsite
  • Permanent / Full Time
  • 123000 - 190000 USD / Yearly
  • We are looking for a strategic and entrepreneurial leader to guide an Accounts Payable recovery audit function in Santa Ana, California. This position is well suited for a senior audit specialist who can shape client strategy, strengthen operational performance, and communicate financial value to executive stakeholders. The role combines practice leadership, client advisory work, and team development within a fast-paced services environment focused on measurable cost optimization.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Direct the Accounts Payable recovery audit practice, leading client engagements, team delivery, and overall financial performance for the function.<br>• Oversee the full audit process, including data intake, review preparation, exception analysis, claim support, and recovery monitoring.<br>• Work closely with client finance, procurement, and shared services leaders to uncover duplicate disbursements, missed credits, overpayments, and vendor-related compliance gaps.<br>• Design tailored audit approaches that use data analysis, automation, and benchmarking insights to identify savings opportunities and underlying process issues.<br>• Present audit results, recovery opportunities, and operational improvement recommendations to senior executives such as CFOs, controllers, and procurement leaders.<br>• Lead recovery discussions with vendors and suppliers, securing funds on behalf of clients while maintaining accurate support and clear reporting.<br>• Build strong client and supplier relationships that support efficient claim resolution and long-term engagement success.<br>• Drive practice expansion by identifying new business opportunities, supporting strategic initiatives, and contributing to revenue and profitability goals.<br>• Mentor and develop team members, setting direction, promoting accountability, and building leadership capability within the group.
  • 2026-08-17T00:00:00Z

Director, Business Optimization (AP Audits) Job in Santa Ana, CA | Robert Half