Chief Audit Officer

The Nature Conservancy•GEO / Remote - Virginia, VA

11d•$180,000 - $280,000•Remote

About The Position

The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) is responsible for carrying out a comprehensive program of internal audit to assess the organization’s internal control environment and compliance with its policies and procedures worldwide. This position plans, develops and recommends procedures and systems to be used in internal auditing throughout the organization. The CAO oversees the internal audit function which examines and evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of the organization’s internal controls, the integrity of and reliability of the organization’s financial and operational information, and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and programs. This position also oversees a program to monitor the Conservancy’s grants of funds to other organizations including subrecipients of U.S. government monies. The CAO oversees a professional staff of six or more professional auditors and is the liaison for the Audit Committee of the Nature Conservancy’s Board of Directors. This role is remote in the US or Alberta, Ontario, or NW Territories provinces of Canada with ample overlap with EST working hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting
At least 7 years of related internal audit experience
Five or more years of experience managing people and interacting with Executive Management and an Audit Committee
Professional certification as a CPA or CIA
Experience with government regulations related to grants and contracts
Proven ability to design, implement, and lead multiple complex projects
Experience working in a management or leadership role in a Finance, Accounting, Auditing, or related field
Experience navigating large, complex organizations

Nice To Haves

10+ years of leadership internal audit experience
Master’s degree
Experience working internationally
Nonprofit experience
Experience working in public accounting in internal auditing
Proficiency in audit and data analytics tools (e.g. audit software, Excel, Power BI, ACL Tableau) and strong reporting capabilities
Ability to manipulate, analyze, and interpret data
Management experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance of staff
Excellent written and verbal communication skills appropriate for global board of directors and executive leadership
Ability to balance the independence and collaboration required to constructively be brought into organizational happenings affecting risk
Strong organization and attention to detail
Fluency in foreign language(s) to support global operations

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the organization’s global internal audit strategy, ensuring alignment with mission, risk profile, and regulatory requirements.
Advise executive leadership and the Audit Committee on internal control effectiveness, risk mitigation, and compliance matters.
Work collaboratively with the Legal Leadership Team and other members of the Enterprise Risk Team on matters relating to the control environment and risk mitigation.
Maintain independence and objectivity in audit planning and execution while fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
Design and implement a comprehensive internal audit program covering financial, operational, compliance, and IT risks.
Oversee risk-based audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up across global operations.
Ensure audits are conducted in accordance with professional standards (e.g., IIA) and organizational policies.
Serve as support to the Management Liaison to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, preparing agendas and reports as well as presenting findings.
Monitor compliance with internal policies, donor requirements, and government regulations (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance for U.S. federal grants).
Participate in investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, or control failures, and coordinate with legal and HR as needed.
Lead and manage a team of internal auditors and monitoring professionals across multiple regions.
Set performance objectives, provide coaching and development, and foster a high-performing, ethical audit culture.
Ensure team capabilities align with evolving audit needs, including data analytics and technology-enabled auditing.
Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Risk, and Operations teams to strengthen internal controls and risk management.
Represent the organization externally in audit-related forums, peer networks, and donor engagements.
Communicate audit findings and recommendations clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and field teams.
Promote continuous improvement in audit methodologies, tools, and reporting.
Leverage technology and data analytics to enhance audit efficiency and insight.
Stay current on global audit trends, nonprofit governance, and regulatory developments.