Senior Internal Audit Leader – Education

The purpose of the Internal Auditor at a university, aligned with the 2024 Global Internal Audit Standards, is to provide independent assurance and advisory services that support the institution in achieving its objectives. By evaluating the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes, the Internal Auditor helps ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and strategic goals. This role involves identifying areas for improvement, offering recommendations, and fostering accountability and transparency within the university system.

Through a risk-based approach, the Internal Auditor safeguards resources, enhances operational efficiency, and supports the university’s commitment to academic and administrative excellence.

Accountability:

Reports administratively to the University President and functionally to the IHL Chief Audit Executive.

General Statement of Duties:

This is a non-supervisory position in which the incumbent provides independent assurance and advisory services that support the institution in achieving its objectives. By evaluating the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes, the Internal Auditor helps ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and strategic goals.

• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Inform the President and other senior administration of significant events in a timely manner.

• Conduct annual risk assessment.

• Develop annual audit plan based on risk assessment and consultation with Institutions of Higher Learning ( IHL ) and university management.

• Conduct internal control assessments and process audits of areas identified on the annual audit plan as well as ad hoc audits requested by management or IHL in accordance with Institution of Internal Auditing Standards ( IIA ).

• Prepare and distribute formal reports of all control assessments and audits to the reviewed department and up the chain of responsibility to include the University President and Chief Audit Executive of IHL .

• Develop, update, coordinate and conduct internal controls and fraud awareness training for unit heads and administrators.

• Serve as a resource for university personnel on internal controls and best practices.

• Review university policies and procedures to ensure compliance with IHL Policies and Bylaws.

• Manage the University’s anonymous reporting system.

• Conduct investigations of fraud, waste, and abuse reports on anonymous reporting system and assign other types of reports to the appropriate individual.

• Serve on various university committees.

• Maintain a collaborative atmosphere between the Office of Internal Audit and various university departments and personnel.

• Attend training to facilitate professional development and maintain professional certifications.

• The position reports functionally to the IHL Chief Audit Executive and Administratively to the Institutional Executive Officer (President)

Minimum Qualifications :

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree,

Master’s Degree Preferred.

Experience:

• Requires 5 years of internal audit experience in higher education

• Certified Public Accountant ( CPA ), Certified Internal Auditor ( CIA ) or Certified Fraud Examiner ( CFE )

• Computer skills include spreadsheet and word programs; familiarity with Banner and Team Mate preferred.

Other Skills & Abilities

• Advanced level of knowledge of auditing concepts, practices, and procedures

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and diplomacy

• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct a comprehensive internal audit function in a public institutional setting

• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituency groups

• Knowledge of court processes and legal documentation requirements

• Ability to establish, implement…