Chief Internal Auditor

University of Vermont•Burlington, VT

56d

About The Position

The University of Vermont (UVM) is seeking a strategic and principled professional to serve as its Chief Internal Auditor. This executive role oversees the university's independent Audit Services function, providing objective assurance and advisory services that support institutional effectiveness and accountability. The Chief Internal Auditor works closely with the Board of Trustees' Audit Committee and with the President, senior leadership in administrative and academic units, and constituents across the university to promote sound governance and internal controls, and to advance a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
Professional certification required: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or equivalent.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in internal auditing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Demonstrated expertise in risk-based auditing, enterprise risk management, and compliance frameworks.
Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or public sector auditing strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive, risk-based audit plan aligned with UVM's strategic priorities.
Advise university leadership on governance, risk, and control matters.
Promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Direct all internal audit activities in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors' International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Code of Ethics.
Maintain the independence and objectivity of Audit Services, reporting functionally to the Audit Committee and administratively to the President.
Oversee audits of financial, operational, compliance, and information systems across university units.
Identify and assess institutional risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with compliance and privacy, legal, and financial units to ensure regulatory adherence and ethical conduct.
Monitor emerging risks and trends in higher education and internal auditing.
Communicate audit findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to senior leadership and the Audit Committee.
Foster collaborative relationships across departments to support audit readiness and process improvement.
Provide training and guidance to university staff on internal controls and risk awareness.