Chief Auditor

The University of Arizona invites applications for the position of Chief Auditor. The University seeks a steadfast and proven leader and an experienced auditor who will partner with the Arizona Board of Regents, university senior leadership, and colleagues across the entire campus to strengthen its comprehensive, impactful audit approach for the University. The Chief Auditor will be tasked to provide strategic, operational, and collaborative leadership for its internal audit function.

The Chief Auditor will lead the University of Arizona internal audit function and ensure the institution operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with regulatory requirements, standards and applicable laws that govern the Arizona Board of Regents and public higher education institutions.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Auditor designs, develops, and implements auditing policy and procedures, performing audits of financial and operational systems, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. This role works closely with University leadership to assess risk management, control processes, and governance systems.

In addition to its operational reporting to the SVP COO/CFO, the position has a direct reporting line to both the university president and the chair of the Arizona Board of Regents Audit & Risk Committee.

For information about the Office of Internal Audit visit: audit.arizona.edu/ and azregents.edu/meetings/committees/audit-and-risk-management. For additional information about this position, please visit talent.arizona.edu/news/executive-search-chief-auditor.

This position is eligible for a relocation package along with an opportunity for a short-term temporary remote work arrangement to allow for a smooth transition.

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Leadership
& Strategy:

• Develop and
  execute the University's internal audit strategy, ensuring alignment with
  institutional goals and objectives.
• Provide
  independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add
  value and improve the university's operations.
• Engage with executive
  leadership, the Internal Audit Review Board, and the Arizona Board of
  Regents to develop and execute institutional risk assessment and audits
  in accordance with University Policy and direction.
• Lead and
  manage the internal audit team, including recruitment, training, and
  professional development.
• Foster an
  ethical culture, maintaining high standards of integrity and
  professionalism.

Audit Planning
& Execution:

• Oversee the
  preparation and execution of comprehensive risk-based audit plans.
• Evaluate the
  efficiency and effectiveness of internal controls, operational processes,
  financial reporting, and compliance systems.
• Identify areas
  of potential risk, fraud, or non-compliance and make recommendations for
  corrective actions.
• Review and
  assess the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and reports.

Risk Management
& Compliance:

• Monitor and
  evaluate the university's risk management framework, recommending
  improvements where necessary.
• Ensure that
  the university adheres to state, federal, and institutional regulations,
  policies, and best practices.
• Conduct
  internal investigations to assess validity of suspected risks.
• Coordinate and
  comply with external audit reviews.
• Stay updated
  on regulatory changes affecting higher education institutions, such as
  those related to financial aid, research funding, and student services.

Communication
& Reporting:

• Present audit
  findings, recommendations, and updates to the university's executive leadership,
  the Arizona Board of Regents, and the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Collaborate
  with university departments to improve business practices, increase
  operational efficiencies, and ensure compliance.
• Prepare and
  present detailed reports, including audit opinions and risk assessments,
  to stakeholders.

Consultation
& Advisory:

• Provide expertise
  advisory consultative services to university departments on process
  improvements, policy formulation, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as a
  strategic advisor to the President and other key stakeholders on audit,
  risk, and governance matters.
• May
  participate in or engage with external boards, committees or institutions
  to foster strong relationships with peer universities to stay abreast of
  best practices for the industry of internal audit.

Knowledge,
Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth
  knowledge of audit principles, practices, and procedures in a university
  or public sector setting.
• Effective leadership,
  interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of
  integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to
  assess risk and implement audit procedures to improve operational and
  financial systems.
• Familiarity
  with state and federal regulations affecting public universities.
• Proficiency
  with audit software and data analytics tools.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified
  Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or
  equivalent professional certification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive auditing experience, including leadership
  roles.

Any
equivalent combination of education, experience, certification, and training
may be considered.

• Master's degree
• More than one professional certification
• Previous experience in a large, matrixed organization
• Previous experience in higher education or a public sector environment is highly preferred.