Director of Assurance and Advisory Services

Director of Assurance and Advisory Services

Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Report to Vice President and General Counsel with dotted line to Board of Trustees. Lead internal audit plan and provide independent assurance on effectiveness of controls, governance, risk management, and compliance.

• Plan, schedule, and execute internal audits across all university operations, including financial, operational, and technological controls (e.g., Facilities, Business Services, Athletics, HR).
• Conduct audit fieldwork, develop findings and recommendations, and draft formal audit reports for presentation to the Director and, through the Director, to the General Counsel and the Board.
• Maintain the dotted‑line reporting relationship to the Board of Trustees by assisting the General Counsel in preparing materials and participating in Audit Committee meetings as required.
• Coordinate with the Director of Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management to ensure audit planning is aligned with the top enterprise risks.

• Oversee auditing and monitoring activities, using specialized software to perform continuous auditing and identify deviations or control failures in real‑time.
• Lead and conduct internal investigations related to financial impropriety, control breaches, and serious compliance incidents such as fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Administer the University’s whistle blower hotline and related case‑management process.
• Execute policy enforcement actions stemming from audit findings, ensuring timely and effective corrective action plans are implemented by management.

• Lead the strategic integration and application of advanced analytics and AI‑enabled audit tools to enhance risk assessment, strengthen audit planning, and expand continuous auditing capabilities, translating insights into high‑level actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
• Oversee the GRC platform to centralize risk and control data, streamline audit workflows, and produce evidence‑based reports that inform decision‑making.
• Lead audits of technology and data‑related processes, assessing governance, controls, compliance, and emerging risks, leveraging AI and advanced analytics to identify anomalies, control gaps, and opportunities for improvement.

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Provide peer‑level coordination or subject‑matter guidance to colleagues performing similar work and/or student, part‑time workers, including helping organize tasks, clarify priorities, or review work for quality or consistency.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible audit experience, preferably within internal audit, public accounting, or a regulated, non‑profit/higher education environment.

• Demonstrated experience leading risk‑based audits across financial, operational, compliance, and technology functions.
• Demonstrated strategic skill in leveraging relevant technologies, including AI‑enabled auditing tools, data analytics, and continuous monitoring solutions, to strengthen oversight and operational effectiveness.
• Experience using advanced analytics and visualization tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Tableau, ACL Analytics, Case Ware IDEA, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and report‑writing skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear recommendations for senior leadership and governing boards.
• Professional certification required (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA, or CFE).
• Experience implementing continuous auditing, automated controls testing, or AI‑assisted assurance programs.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Higher education experience.
• Active membership in a recognized professional auditing or accounting organization, such as the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), or New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA).

Note Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.