Chief Audit Executive

Utah State University•Logan, UT

About The Position

The Chief Audit Executive serves as the senior-most executive responsible for leading the university’s internal audit function. This role ensures the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of institutional operations through independent evaluations of financial, operational, compliance, and information systems. This role provides strategic guidance to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees, promoting a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in internal auditing, public accounting, or financial management, including 5 years of leadership experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
CPA, CIA, or CISA certification.
Deep knowledge of audit standards, risk management, and compliance frameworks
Skill in guiding departments through change, especially when implementing new controls or systems.
Demonstrated commitment to ethical standards and professional conduct.
Ability to foster a culture of accountability and transparency across the institution.
Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating institutional risks—financial, reputational, operational, and compliance-related.
Strong interpersonal skills to build trust across departments and with senior leadership.
Ability to translate complex audit findings into actionable insights for non-financial audiences.
Ability to use audit software, data visualization tools, and ERP systems.
Skill in analyzing large datasets to detect anomalies, trends, or inefficiencies.
Understanding of how universities operate, especially land-grant institutions with federal, state, and local funding streams.
Familiarity with academic, research, and extension missions and how they impact financial and operational risk.
Resume
Cover letter

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or additional certifications.
Experience in higher education or public sector auditing.

Responsibilities

Audit Leadership & Strategy Develop and execute a comprehensive risk-based internal audit plan aligned with institutional goals.
Lead and manage internal audit staff and resources.
Provide objective assurance and consulting services to improve university operations.
Advance the use of technology assets within the internal audit department, including the use of AI or other automation tools and analytics for analysis in their work.
Governance & Compliance Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations, including those specific to land-grant institutions.
Monitor internal controls and recommend improvements to mitigate risk.
Liaise with external auditors and regulatory agencies.
Reporting & Communication Present audit findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Prepare detailed reports and dashboards for internal stakeholders.
Maintain open lines of communication with university departments to foster collaboration and trust.
Ethics & Risk Management Promote ethical conduct and investigate potential fraud or misconduct.
Collaborate with risk management and legal counsel to address emerging risks.
Serve as a key advisor on institutional risk and control matters.
Quality Assurance and Improvement Establish and maintain a quality assurance and improvement program to ensure compliance, consistency, and quality in the internal audit function’s operations.
Work with institutional partners in a mutually cooperative and proactive manner to identify and define acceptable risk levels.
Consult with institutional representatives and the Board of Trustees ARC Committee concerning the adequacy of the institution’s internal audit activities, staffing levels, and internal controls.