Executive Director of Internal Audit
University of Denver

Job Info

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The Executive Director of Internal Audit is the chief audit executive and is responsible for Internal Audit activities of the University of Denver (the University). This position is responsible for implementing a successful Internal Audit program, and for effectively training, developing, and managing the staff, resources, and budget of the Internal Audit Department (the Department). The Department performs audits and reviews of University activities, functions, departments, and units to determine whether they are effectively completing their functions of planning, operations, accounting, custody, and control, in accordance with applicable law; University instructions, policies, and procedures; and in a manner that is consistent with the University's vision, values, mission, and goals, and in accordance with the Department Charter. The Executive Director focuses on quality, improvement, effectiveness and efficiency; and models independence, objectivity, ethics, integrity and professionalism.

Position Summary

The Director of Internal Audit has overall responsibility for the conduct of internal audit activities as established and defined by the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees (Audit Committee) and in adherence to the professional standards issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Essential Functions

• Approve and issue written reports at the conclusion of each audit. These reports shall provide Senior Management and the Audit Committee with observations about the adequacy and effectiveness of the University's system of internal controls, adherence with University policies and procedures, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and contracts.
• Assess the knowledge, skills, and other competencies needed to perform audits in the approved Internal Audit Plan and present a recommendation to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee if assurance and/or consulting services need to be contracted with an outside party.
• Communicate independence and objectivity impairments to the Audit Committee, as necessary.
• Coordinate activities and information with other internal and external providers of assurance and consulting services to ensure proper coverage and minimize duplication of efforts.
• Develop and foster a trusting and open Internal Audit environment while embodying a commitment to improvement and betterment of the University.
• Develop and implement an annual Internal Audit Plan using an appropriate enterprise-wide risk-based methodology, including risks and internal control concerns identified by management. The Audit Committee shall approve the Internal Audit Plan annually.
• Develop and manage a follow-up process to monitor and ensure management actions are effectively implemented for audit issues reported by the Department and by external auditors.
• Establish policies and procedures for the Department, including restricted access to, and record retention requirements for, audit workpapers and records.
• Issue periodic reports to the Audit Committee summarizing the results of Internal Audit activities, resource requirements, significant interim changes to the Internal Audit plan, significant risk exposures and control issues, status of open audit issues, emerging trends and leading practices in higher education internal auditing, and other matters requested by Senior Management and the Audit Committee.
• Maintain effective working relations with all levels of management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees (the Audit Committee).
• Manage the Department and its activities in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors' Code of Ethics and Standards.
• Manage the ethics and compliance hotline and investigate concerns from the hotline, as appropriate.
• Oversee audit planning, identification of objectives, resource allocation, scoping, development of work programs, and communication of audit results.
• Partners with Enterprise Risk Management to provide assurance on risk management processes by evaluating and reporting on key organizational risks.
• Perform on-going monitoring of the performance of the Department, and periodically perform an assessment of the Department's conformance with professional standards and ethics. Also, facilitate external quality assurance assessments of the Internal Audit program.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
• Perform reviews of specific operations/processes, as requested by management or the Audit Committee, with the approval of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
• Review the Internal Audit Charter for completeness and accuracy and obtain the Audit Committee's approval for updates, as required.

Key Reporting Relationships

To ensure organizational independence, report functionally to the Audit Committee and administratively to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs and University Treasurer. Functional reporting includes review and approval of the Department Charter, internal audit plan, and annual risk assessment; and approval of all decisions regarding performance evaluation, appointment or removal of the Executive Director, annual compensation, and salary adjustments of the Executive Director. Administrative reporting includes budgeting and management accounting; human resource administration (e.g., execution of performance evaluations, compensation); internal communications and information flow; and administration of the Department's policies and procedures.

Direct Accountabilities: Staff Senior Internal Auditors (2). Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, directing work; and, appraising performance. Additionally, manage resources from external providers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to be adept at problem formulation as well as resolution
• Ability to respond creatively to the challenges of modifying organizational behavior
• Ability to work effectively and independently at a senior management level
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and motivate a team of people to accomplish micro and organization-wide risk mitigation objectives
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information in line with organization values and applicable laws
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to deal effectively and tactfully with people at all levels of management including the Board of Trustees
• Experience in performing compliance reviews and internal auditing
• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices (especially fund accounting)
• Thorough knowledge of internal auditing and accounting procedures and techniques, and applicable laws and regulations
• Thorough knowledge of management principles and skills to effectively direct and manage an Internal Audit process and special investigations
• Thorough knowledge of higher education and/or non-profit fund accounting

Other Competencies and Skills

• Communication skills: Superior verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable presenting in formal and informal settings to a wide variety of audiences, including key stakeholders, the Board of Trustees, and external entities
• Confidentiality: Respects the value and ownership of information received and does not disclose information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so
• Integrity and Objectivity: Exhibits the highest level of professional objectivity and integrity. Able to make a balanced assessment of all the relevant circumstances and is not influenced by personal interests or by others in forming judgments
• Leadership: Experience building high-performing teams through collaborative relationships
• Results oriented: Explores various avenues to make things happen. Works cohesively with the auditee and audit team to achieve results
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify and create better alternatives or solutions and resolve conflicts and issues
• Strong Facilitator: Achieves objectives through facilitation of meetings and discussions to all levels of management
• Team player: Has a reputation for working collaboratively with others toward common goals and is an active listener

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related area of specialization
• 7 years' experience with external auditing, internal auditing, and/or business analysis
• 5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, accounting, or related area of specialization
• Certified Public Accountant and any other relevant certifications including Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, etc.
• 10 years' experience with external auditing, internal auditing, and/or business analysis preferably in the higher education, governmental or not-for-profit industries
• 7 years of supervisory experience

Working Environment

1. Standard office environment.
2. Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
3. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time.
2. Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. In accordance with the University's flexible work policy, this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) March 28, 2024.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 16.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $145,000-$170,000

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate's sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non-Discrimination-Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.

Advertised: February 27, 2024
Applications close: March 28, 2024

This job has expired.