Director Internal Audit

William Paterson University•Wayne, NJ

1d•$101,860 - $149,972•Onsite

About The Position

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. Reporting with dotted line responsibility to the President and Vice President for Finance and Administration and solid line responsibility to the Board of Trustees, the Director of Internal Audit assesses organizational, compliance and operational risks, based on the development of an annual audit plan supplemented by departmental audits and the risk assessment. The Director provides independent and objective risk assessment of the operation and effectiveness of internal controls, processes and procedures in academic as well as administrative offices and departments. They also provide support to University’s external auditors in the conduct of annual Financial Statement audits. The Director also serves as the University’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) Officer, investigates, and reports on issues to the University President and Board of Trustees, as appropriate or necessary. The Director of Internal Audit is administratively part of the Office of General Counsel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Management Information Systems, Business or related field, with major course work/emphasis in Accounting and or Finance
Ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in progressively responsible positions within a public or private college or university, state or federal agency, accounting/auditing firm or corporation.
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting and internal auditing is required, as is the thorough understanding of corporate and/or public higher education compliance programs.
Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze, research, summarize and effectively present information. Ability to work independently in a highly confidential environment.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent computer skills with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, and Workday a plus.
High ethical standards and values are required, as are excellent leadership and management skills and the ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CPA or other relevant advanced education preferred.
CPA, CISA or CIA certification preferred.
Working knowledge of the COSO Internal Control Framework and OMB Uniform Guidance for federal grants preferred

Responsibilities

Schedules, prepares, and conducts internal audits in accordance with standards promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors; evaluates University internal controls and the control environment.
Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, the reliability of financial reporting mechanisms, and institutional compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Prepares annual internal audit/risk assessment schedule based on internal audit standards for detailed reviews of academic and administrative offices and departments.
Conducts pre-audit meetings with department heads prior to the start of every audit, as well as exit meetings. Reviews audit findings with department heads at the conclusion of each audit and consults, as needed, to determine any remedial action needed.
Prepares formal audit reports, which detail audit findings, recommendations for corrective actions, and management responses for the audit committee of the University. In addition, follows up with unit to ensure corrective actions or remedial steps have been completed and implemented.
Develops and recommends policies, procedures, practices, and systems designed to enhance internal controls; communicates same to the department head, Senior Administration, and the Finance, Audit, and Institutional Development Committee of the Board of Trustees (University’s audit committee).
Prepares the quarterly Recommendation Follow-up Matrix for all completed audit and tracks corrective actions taken for all audit recommendations.
Completes, documents and issues formal report on special projects as assigned.
Serves as the University’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) officer; receives and reviews complaints while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Assesses the veracity of CEPA complaints, conducts investigations as appropriate or necessary, and reports findings to the President; updates the Finance, Audit and Institutional Development Committee of the Board of Trustees on the status of CEPA reviews on a quarterly basis.
Performs other duties as assigned that are appropriate for the position.