Chief Audit Officer/Director of Internal Audits

Appalachian State University•Boone, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Internal Audits (OIA) at Appalachian State University strengthens the University’s ability to create, protect, and sustain value by providing the Board of Trustees and management with independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, advice, insight, and foresight. OIA provides independent and objective assurance and consulting activities designed to add value and improve the operations of Appalachian State University. OIA facilitates the effectiveness of the University’s risk management, control, and governance processes. The primary role of the Chief Audit Officer is to oversee the Office of Internal Audits to ensure it adds value to the University by providing independent, objective, and relevant assurance and advisory activity that contributes to the effectiveness and efficiency of the University’s risk management, control, and governance processes. The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) is responsible for the administration of the internal audit activity to ensure that the activity fulfills its purpose, authority, and responsibility as described in the Appalachian State University OIA Internal Audit Charter, forms and promotes strategic alliances with the University community, uses resources efficiently and effectively, and complies with the North Carolina Internal Audit Act and the IIA Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a discipline related to program area assigned from an accredited institution
10 years of auditing experience
Five years of supervisory audit experience
CPA, CIA, or another appropriate audit industry professional certification

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience in governmental auditing/ higher education auditing and/or IT audit experience
Demonstrated knowledge of Banner
Data Analytics expertise utilizing Tableau
Audit Productivity software expertise
Master’s Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience with operational, compliance, and information technology audits, as well as investigations and management advisory services
Experience leading and developing an audit team

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a strategy for the internal audit function that supports the strategic objectives and success of the organization and aligns with the expectations of the board, senior management, and other key stakeholders.
Establish and implement an approved risk-based annual Audit Plan, including special tasks or projects requested by management and the ARC Committee.
Report periodically to the ARC Committee and the Chancellor on the internal audit activities and performance relative to the Audit Plan and provide a comparison of the Plan with audits added, completed, and canceled during a given fiscal year.
Keep the Chancellor and ARC Committee informed of emerging trends and issues that could impact the University.
Assist the ARC Committee Chair in running the ARC Committee meetings, propose draft agendas, and assist with the preparation of other related ARC Committee materials.
Conduct and/or assist investigations of suspected fraudulent activities.
Provide advisory services to management that add value and promote the best interests of the University.
Ensure all reporting obligations to the UNC System Office and OSBM are met.
Ensure that internal audit resources are appropriate, sufficient, and effectively deployed.
Establish internal audit policies and procedures to guide the internal audit program activities (in compliance with the Audit Manual, IIA Standards, and other laws, rules, and regulations).
Coordinate activities with other internal and external providers of relevant assurance and advisory services to ensure proper coverage and minimize duplication of efforts.
Lead and train staff in IIA areas of ethics and professionalism.
Provide audit engagement oversight to include: Engagement audit program approval, Policy development and approval relative to audit workpaper documentation, Policy development and control over custody, access, and retention of audit workpapers and reports, Policy development regarding criteria for communicating audit engagement results, Follow-up processes to monitor and ensure that management actions have been effectively implemented.
Maintain a professional audit staff with sufficient knowledge, skills, experience, competencies, and professional certifications to meet the requirements of the Charter to include: Administer hiring processes to select qualified and competent staff, Perform annual performance evaluations, Counsel internal auditors on their performance and professional development, Train and provide continuing educational opportunities for each auditor, Ensure that job descriptions are accurate and up-to-date, Establish a quality assurance and improvement program.
Periodically assess whether the purpose, authority, and responsibility, as defined in the Charter, continue to be adequate to enable the internal audit program to accomplish its objectives.
Develop and maintain productive client, staff, management, and board relationships through individual contacts and group meetings.
Represent internal auditing at management and board meetings and with external organizations.
Pursue professional development opportunities, including internal and external training and professional association memberships.
Benchmark audit work processes and promote continuous process improvement.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the internal audit activity and report the results of the KPIs to senior leaders, the Chancellor, and the ARC committee.
Serve as the Audit Liaison Officer, as the University’s point of contact regarding external audits with State and Federal agencies, including coordinating any required follow-ups on any recommendations.