Assistant Director, Investigations

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Investigations is responsible to the Chief Audit Executive for accomplishing the Office of Internal Audit’s mission. The role plans and conducts investigations into significant and credible allegations of waste, fraud, and financial mismanagement within the university, supporting the department’s investigations and advisory services. The Assistant Director leads, coordinates, executes, and supervises complex and sensitive investigations, internal control reviews, management advisory services, and other projects undertaken by the OIA. The position manages investigations from intake and initial assessment through interviews, document review, evidence analysis, and reporting; coordinates with university leadership, departments, and external agencies as appropriate; and advises on remedial actions. It also oversees engagement budgets and schedules and updates the Chief Audit Executive about schedule variations. The role builds relationships with university administration and college and department stakeholders, and provides leadership, guidance, training, and mentorship to investigations staff. It also develops and delivers educational programs and publications on internal controls, fraud risks, and investigative techniques, including outreach to peers and professional associations.

Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and seven years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

License or certification as a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, or other relevant certification or credential.
Demonstrated investigation experience and skills, including developing an investigation approach or strategy, interviewing employees, obtaining and analyzing evidence, drawing conclusions, and recommending control enhancements.
Data analytics skills, including identifying, requesting, obtaining, reviewing, analyzing, and describing complex financial and operational data; identifying patterns, anomalies, and red flags; and creating visuals and graphics for reports and presentations as necessary.
Significant supervisory experience as an investigator, consultant, auditor, or reviewer in a large research university or complex not-for-profit organization.
An advanced degree in a complementary discipline such as business, criminology, educational leadership, or law.
Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Superior understanding of investigative techniques and internal controls, and ability to assess risks in areas including healthcare, financial management, academic management, and sponsored academic research.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and interview skills, both oral and written; ability to express complex ideas in simple language and communicate with people at all levels.
Commitment to excellence, personal and professional integrity, and the highest ethical and professional standards.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct investigations into significant and credible allegations of waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement within the university.
Lead, coordinate, execute, and supervise complex and sensitive investigations, internal control reviews, management advisory services, and other OIA projects.
Manage investigative processes from intake meetings and initial assessment through investigative interviews, document reviews, and report preparation.
Obtain and present facts and evidence supporting potential administrative or legal action; identify and interview suspects and other parties with firsthand information; and examine and analyze potentially fraudulent transactions.
Coordinate with university senior leadership, departments, and external agencies as appropriate, including General Counsel, Human Resources, Finance, the University of Florida Police Department, and the State Attorney’s office when criminal violations are suspected or identified.
Provide leadership and direction to investigations staff to ensure quality, adherence to applicable professional standards, and achievement of OIA goals and objectives.
Advise on appropriate remedial actions resulting from investigations.
Monitor engagement time against budget and track progress against key dates, updating the Chief Audit Executive about schedule variations when necessary.
Develop and maintain relationships with university administration and college and department stakeholders to support communication between campus and the OIA.
Train and mentor staff, seniors, and managers in investigation skills, including interview techniques, data analysis, document review, attention to detail, and investigative information processing.
Develop and present programs and publications and conduct educational sessions on good internal controls and fraud risk management.
Educate peers inside and outside the institution on investigation techniques and work with professional associations on training and educational speaking sessions.