Director of Internal Audit

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

12h

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, the Director of Internal Audit is responsible for leading and executing the University’s internal audit activities. This position leads the development and execution of a risk-based internal audit plan, leads audits and advisory reviews across operational, compliance, financial, and technology risk areas, and communicates observations and recommendations to management and senior leadership. The role helps promote effective internal controls, accountability, and continuous improvement across the University. The position is expected to maintain independence, objectivity, and confidentiality consistent with professional internal auditing standards.

Requirements

Knowledge of internal auditing standards, risk assessment practices, internal control frameworks, and audit methodology.
Strong understanding of governance, compliance, financial, operational, and technology risk concepts, with the ability to apply sound professional judgment in varied environments
Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex audits, analyze issues, synthesize information, and develop practical, risk-based recommendations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-ready reports and present results to management and senior leadership.
Ability to build effective working relationships, influence constructively, and navigate sensitive matters with diplomacy, objectivity, and confidentiality.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and lead projects to completion within established timelines.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, public administration, information systems, or a related field required.
Director level: typically requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibility
At least one certification required ( CPA , CIA , CISA )

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating technology-related controls and risks, such as user access, system configuration, data protection, vendor risk, or IT general controls, is preferred.
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, reviewing work, delegating assignments, and supporting staff development, is preferred.
Higher education experience is also preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the annual risk assessment process and develop a risk-based internal audit plan by identifying emerging risks, gathering input from management and key stakeholders, and recommend audit priorities.
Lead and perform internal audit and advisory engagements from planning through reporting, including defining objectives and scope, conducting interviews and walkthroughs, evaluating risks and controls, performing testing, and documenting results.
Assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls across operational, financial, compliance, and technology-related processes, and identify opportunities to strengthen control environments and improve efficiency.
Prepare clear, concise, and well-supported audit reports that describe issues, root causes, risk implications, and practical recommendations for corrective action.
Present audit results and recommendations to management and senior leadership, build alignment on action plans, and escalate significant issues as appropriate.
Provide periodic updates to the Audit Committee, including presenting the annual audit plan for approval and reporting year-end audit results.
Monitor the status of management corrective action plans and perform follow-up procedures, as needed, to validate implementation of agreed-upon actions.
Contribute to coverage of technology risk areas, including topics such as user access, systems and applications, data protection, third-party risk, and IT general controls, in coordination with audit resources and subject matter expertise as appropriate.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships across the University and serve as a trusted advisor by providing objective, risk-based insight on controls, governance, and operational improvement opportunities.
Supervise audit staff and student employees, review workpapers and reports, support resource planning, and help shape the overall direction and maturity of the internal audit function.
Support the development and use of automated and other technological tools.
Perform other specialized duties related to the Office of Institutional Compliance and Internal Audit.