Deputy Chief Internal Auditor

Nevada System of Higher Education

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About The Position

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Deputy Chief Internal Auditor. This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Chief Internal Auditor. The position may be located in either Las Vegas or Reno, Nevada. The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: two universities, a state college, four community colleges and a research institute. The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant challenges and opportunities in serving over 105,000 students and 15,000 employees. The Deputy Chief Internal Auditor serves as the second-in-command within NSHE’s Internal Audit Department, reporting to the Chief Internal Auditor. This position partners with the Chief Internal Auditor to provide independent and objective assurance and advisory services that evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, compliance, and governance processes across NSHE institutions and System Administration. The incumbent leads the planning, execution, and reporting of internal audit engagements, manages professional staff, and ensures adherence to the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Internal Audit Standards. The Deputy Chief Internal Auditor also serves as Chief Internal Auditor during absences and provides strategic input to the development and execution of the risk-based audit plan. This position requires the highest degree of professional integrity, judgment, and diplomacy, as it may interface with institutional presidents, executive leadership, and the Board of Regents on sensitive and complex issues when serving as Chief Internal Auditor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field and at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in auditing, accounting, risk management, or a related field, with three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• OR A bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with at least 10 years of relevant professional auditing or financial management experience, including five (5) years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Certification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) required. Candidates currently pursuing certification may be considered, provided certification is obtained within 18 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute complex, high-profile audits, investigations and advisory engagements across NSHE institutions in accordance with professional auditing standards (IIA, GAO, and other applicable frameworks).
• Partner with management to assess risk, evaluate operations, and test the adequacy of internal controls, compliance with policies, and regulatory obligations.
• Prepare comprehensive workpapers to document testing, research, and analysis, and develop audit programs tailored to identified risks.
• Provide independent and objective assessments of risk management, governance, and financial control processes.
• Recommend actionable improvements to strengthen efficiency, accountability, and compliance across the System.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and comprehensive audit reports to NSHE management, the Audit, Compliance and Title IX Committee (when serving as Chief Internal Auditor), and other stakeholders.
• Communicate audit findings with fact-based recommendations, facilitate discussion of corrective actions, and support management in implementing solutions.
• Monitor and appraise the adequacy of corrective actions to ensure sustained improvements.
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement across NSHE institutions.
• Review, evaluate, and approve audit staff workpapers, reports, and documentation to ensure accuracy, quality, and adherence to departmental and professional standards.
• Establish and maintain a robust quality-assurance program to safeguard the independence, scope, and technical proficiency of all audit work.
• Make internal audit documentation available to external auditors and coordinate with them to minimize duplication of effort and strengthen overall assurance coverage.
• Provide daily supervision, guidance, and mentoring for audit staff (senior auditors and below), including training, counseling, and assignment direction.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations, identify professional development needs, and foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Recruit, retain, and develop a diverse audit staff with the skills, certifications, and competencies required to fulfill the Internal Audit Charter.
• Serve as Chief Internal Auditor in the absence of the Chief, with full authority to represent the Internal Audit Department.
• Assist the Chief Internal Auditor with enterprise risk assessments, strategic planning, and development of the annual audit plan.
• Lead investigations of alleged fraud, misuse of resources, or significant control weaknesses.
• Provide advisory services at the request of NSHE leadership, including operational reviews, policy recommendations, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with campus leadership, System executives, and external stakeholders to raise awareness of systemic risks and support adoption of best practices.
• Participate in professional development activities to maintain required certifications and stay current on emerging trends in internal auditing, risk management, and higher education compliance.
• Support external quality assessments and OMB-required audits.
• Perform special reviews and advisory projects at the direction of the Chief Internal Auditor, including coordination with independent auditors and regulatory agencies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, an employer paid long term disability plan is included.
• Outstanding Retirement Plan: professional employees are required to participate in the 401(a) Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA). Employee contributions of 19.25% are matched 100% by the employer and employees experience an immediate vesting in the plan.
• Paid Leave: generous annual leave (accrual of 2 days per month), sick leave (granted 30 days at time of hire), 12 paid holidays, and paid family leave.
• Education Benefit: employees and their qualified dependents may take advantage of a tuition savings benefit. Faculty may take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate and their dependents may access an unlimited number of credits, if they meet specific criteria.
• Additional Perks: Employee assistance programs and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree