Director of Internal Audit, Business and Financial Affairs

Position Description

 

Job Summary:

 

The Director of Internal Audit plans, directs, and coordinates a comprehensive University-wide, risk-based internal audit program that complies with professional auditing standards. The Director provides leadership and direction in administering independent and objective evaluation, consultation, and investigation services to the Board of Trustees, President, and University leadership. The Director maintains an Internal Audit program that assists the University in providing reasonable assurance the University uses resources efficiently and effectively, maintains appropriate internal control systems and stewardship over assets, and conducts program operations in compliance with University policy and Board of Trustee Rules of Operation.

 

The Director ensures that the Internal Audit program adds value consistent with the University’s mission, vision, goals and values. The position serves as an internal consultative partner to the University. Working with the Risk and Compliance Group, the focus of the program includes value creation activities such as, but not limited to, collaborative approach to Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Project Management support, and post implementation reviews.      

 

Reportage:

 

• The Director of Internal Audit reports functionally to the Board of Trustees Audit Committee to provide an independent internal audit function, and administratively to the Associate Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs.

• The position meets with the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs on a bi-monthly basis, or as needed. 

 

Responsibilities:

 

• In collaboration with the Risk and Compliance Group and University leadership, prepares ongoing risk assessment and documentation.

• Develops the audit plan that focuses on high risk areas identified through the risk assessment process.Prepares time budgets for audit activities, and ensures quality of audit engagement performance.Obtains Audit Plan approval from the Board of Trustees Audit Committee.

• Participates and/or leads opening and exit conferences with audit clients

• Performs follow-up reviews to determine the timeliness and adequacy of corrective actions taken.

• Coordinates internal audit activities with external auditors to reduce duplication of efforts and increase audit coverage at the University.

• Meets with the Board of Trustees Audit Committee up to six times per year. Accountable to the Board of Trustees Audit Committee for the functional effectiveness of the Internal Audit program.

• Periodically reports the status of audit issues and related corrective action plans to the Board of Trustees Audit Committee.

• Responsible for written/verbal communication to the President, Board of Trustees Audit Committee, and management related to the University's internal audit program.

• Provides direct consulting services to University employees and leaders, and coordinates with functional area management responses and or corrective actions needed.

• Ability to look beyond internal audit’s traditional role of compliance and assurances (value preservation) in order to assist the University in achieving its objectives and strategic goals (value creation).

• Participates on University project teams for risk, policy development, training, and business process re-engineering.

• Performs project post implementation reviews.

• Facilitates, obtains and disseminates information to the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) for their investigations of reportable incidents under RCW 43.09.185. Assists in obtaining SAO and Assistant Attorney General (AAG) approval of restitution agreements related to reportable incidents.

• Acts as Western's liaison for the SAO Whistleblower Program, and coordinates meetings and dissemination of results.

• Maintains an anonymous complaint reporting tool on the Office of the Internal Auditor’s web page, and processes all complaints in accordance with protocols.

• Develops and maintains a good and positive working relationships with management across all operating areas of the University.

• Maintains up-to-date skills and knowledge on internal control, best practices, and risks related to higher education, governmental, financial and business operations. Keeps current on professional auditing standards, procedures and IT trends.

• Oversees and manages Internal Audit including, but not limited to, annual employee evaluations, budget, employee training needs, equipment, payroll, and human resource needs.

 

Required Qualifications:

 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• Active CPA license.

• Six years progressive auditing experience (a Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one year of auditing experience).

• Demonstrated leadership/supervisory experience.

• Demonstrated experience collaborating with broad constituent groups and/or teams.

• Strong interpersonal skills to allow for effective and positive communication with management across all operational areas of the University.

• Demonstrated excellent written/oral communication skills, and the ability to deliver sensitive information tactfully and professionally.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, staff and the general public.

• Advanced level of knowledge in auditing, regulations and laws, general accounting, and preparation of management reports.

• Demonstrated excellence in affecting positive morale, engagement and trust in prior work experience.

• High ethical standards.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Practical application of governmental auditing standards, ERM, and office management.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

• Seven years audit experience with at least two in Public Accounting.

• Professional Certifications - Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner or Certified Information Systems Auditor.

• Master’s degree in Business Administration.

• Experience in independently overseeing the operations of a department, including supervisory experience and budgetary considerations.

• Experience auditing and/or working in change management projects, specifically internal control design and services fields.

• Higher education work experience.

https://jobs.wwu.edu/JobPosting.aspx?JPID=7100