Chief Audit Officer

Chief Audit Officer

Position/Classification Title: Chief Audit Officer

Working Title: Chief Audit Officer

Position Number: 611569

FLSA: Exempt

Appointment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Tenure Track: No

FTE: 1 = 40 hours/week, 12 months

The salary is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's educational background, relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

Position Overview

Be an Eagle - Where Purpose Takes Flight! Are you ready to make an impact? At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), we are more than an institution-we are a community rooted in a legacy of excellence and transformation. A historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, also known as 'The City of Medicine,' NCCU has been a cornerstone of education since 1910, fostering innovation and progress.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exclusive perks designed to support your work-life balance. At NCCU, your professional growth will be nurtured, and your contributions will help shape the future for our students and the community we serve. Become part of a legacy that drives change and achievement.

An opportunity awaits you at NCCU, where your purpose can take flight.

Visit NCCU.edu .

Employee Benefits

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
• Community Service Leave
• NC State - Health Benefits
• NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 11-12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount and more.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The Office of Internal Audit provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the operations of North Carolina Central University.

Through a systematic and disciplined approach, the Office evaluates and helps improve the effectiveness of the University's:

• Governance processes;
• Enterprise risk management;
• Internal controls;
• Financial and operational processes;
• Information technology and cybersecurity controls;
• Regulatory and policy compliance;
• Research administration and sponsored-program controls;
• Protection and stewardship of institutional assets; and
• Processes for preventing and detecting fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct.

The Office of Internal Audit serves as an independent institutional resource while supporting University leadership in achieving strategic objectives, improving organizational effectiveness, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public, private, and grant-funded resources.

Primary Purpose of Position

The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) provides strategic and operational leadership for all internal audit activities at North Carolina Central University. The CAO establishes the direction, authority, credibility, and effectiveness of the internal audit function and ensures that audit activities are conducted in accordance with applicable professional standards, University policies, University of North Carolina System requirements, and state and federal laws and regulations.

The Chief Audit Officer develops and executes a comprehensive, risk-based audit strategy informed by institutional priorities, enterprise-wide risk assessments, emerging risks, regulatory requirements, prior audit findings, and consultation with University leadership and the Board of Trustees.

The CAO is responsible for ensuring that the Office of Internal Audit operates as both an independent assurance function and a value-added institutional partner that provides meaningful insight into opportunities for improved governance, risk management, internal controls, operational efficiency, and institutional performance.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should possess demonstrated knowledge of:

• Internal auditing standards and professional practices, including those established by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Enterprise risk management, internal controls, governance, and compliance principles.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and financial statement analysis.
• Public-sector accounting and financial-management practices.
• Federal and state laws and regulations affecting institutions of higher education.
• Higher-education governance, administration, financial management, research compliance, grants management, auxiliary operations, and affiliated entities.
• Information technology controls, cybersecurity risk, data governance, and technology-related audit practices.
• Fraud risk assessment, investigations, and prevention.
• Audit quality-assurance and improvement practices.
• The organizational and governance structure of public institutions and the University of North Carolina System.

Minimum Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Systems, or another closely related field.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, compliance, financial management, investigations, or a closely related field, with substantial direct experience in audit.
• At least three years of supervisory, management, or significant audit-leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing or executing risk-based audit plans.
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls, risk assessment, audit methodologies, and professional auditing standards.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and governing or oversight bodies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Current professional certification such as:

1. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA);
2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA);
3. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA);
4. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE); or
5. Another nationally recognized audit, accounting, risk, or compliance credential.

• Significant professional experience in higher education.
• Experience within a large, complex public-sector organization.
• Experience working within the University of North Carolina System or another public university system.
• Experience supervising a comprehensive institutional internal audit function.
• Experience conducting or overseeing information technology and cybersecurity audits.
• Experience auditing research, sponsored programs, grants, auxiliary enterprises, athletics, capital projects, or affiliated entities.
• Experience conducting complex fraud, waste, abuse, or misconduct investigations.
• Experience interacting directly with governing boards, audit committees, executive leadership, and external oversight agencies.
• Experience developing and maintaining an Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program.
• Demonstrated experience with data analytics, continuous auditing, audit-management platforms, and emerging audit technologies.

Licenses or Certification required by Statute or Regulation

N/A

Pre-Employment Requirements

• You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.
• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form or those seeking National Guard Preference must attach as NG23A form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.
• Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks, and education/license verification prior to employment.
• North Carolina Central University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Consistent with the policy of the State of North Carolina, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) reaffirms that it has been, and will continue to be, the policy of this University to be an equal opportunity employer. North Carolina Central University is committed to providing educational opportunities and prohibits discrimination against students, applicants, employees, or visitors based on race, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status. Any individual alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation cannot grieve beyond the University's internal grievance process. In keeping with this policy, and to further the principle of equal opportunity, all other personnel matters such as recruitment, selection, hiring, promotion, compensation, performance appraisal, disciplinary actions, benefits, transfers, separations, reduction in force, grievance procedures, company-sponsored training, education, tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs will also continue to be administered in accordance with this policy.

Work Location

Fully On-site (dedicated office at Duty Station)

Executive Leadership and Independence of the Internal Audit Function

The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) establishes and maintains the organizational independence, professional authority, and credibility of the Office of Internal Audit.

The CAO will:

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the University's internal audit function.
• Maintain the independence and objectivity necessary to conduct audits, investigations, reviews, and advisory engagements without inappropriate influence or interference.
• Maintain direct and unrestricted communication with the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees through its designated audit committee.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically reassess the University's Internal Audit Charter and present it to the Chancellor and appropriate Board committee for review and affirmation.
• Develop and maintain appropriate internal audit policies, operating procedures, methodologies, standards, and protocols.
• Ensure that audit activities conform to applicable professional standards, including standards promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors and other requirements applicable to public institutions of higher education.
• Inform the Chancellor and appropriate Board committee of circumstances that may impair, or appear to impair, the independence or objectivity of the internal audit function.
• Protect the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive institutional information obtained through audit and investigative activities.

Enterprise Risk Assessment and Annual Audit Planning

The Chief Audit Officer leads the University's internal audit risk assessment and planning processes.

The CAO will:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the University's strategic, financial, operational, regulatory, technological, reputational, research, and compliance risks.
• Conduct periodic enterprise-wide audit risk assessments that incorporate institutional data, prior audit activity, management input, emerging risk trends, regulatory requirements, and strategic priorities.
• Develop a comprehensive, risk-based annual and multiyear internal audit plan.
• Present the annual audit plan and significant subsequent modifications to the Chancellor and appropriate Board committee for review and approval.
• Ensure that audit resources are strategically allocated to areas presenting significant institutional risk or opportunities for improved performance.
• Continuously assess emerging risks and adjust audit priorities when institutional circumstances warrant.
• Coordinate audit planning, as appropriate, with Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Legal Affairs, Information Technology, Finance and Administration, Research and Sponsored Programs, Human Resources, and other University functions while maintaining Internal Audit's independence.

Audit Execution and Oversight

The Chief Audit Officer directs and oversees internal audits and reviews across the University.

Audit activity may include financial, operational, compliance, information technology, cybersecurity, research, administrative, academic, auxiliary, construction, procurement, affiliated-entity, and other institutional functions.

The CAO will:

• Approve audit objectives, scopes, methodologies, work programs, testing procedures, findings, recommendations, and final reports.
• Ensure that audit work is performed objectively, efficiently, thoroughly, and consistently with applicable professional standards.
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls.
• Assess the reliability and integrity of financial and operational information.
• Evaluate compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable federal and state laws, regulations, contracts, and grant requirements.
• Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of University programs, processes, and operations.
• Evaluate processes for safeguarding University assets, information, and other institutional resources.
• Utilize data analytics, technology, and computer-assisted audit techniques to identify anomalies, trends, control weaknesses, and areas of elevated institutional risk.
• Ensure that audit findings are supported by sufficient, reliable, relevant, and useful evidence.
• Develop recommendations that are practical, risk-informed, actionable, and designed to improve University operations.

Investigations and Special Reviews

The Chief Audit Officer directs, coordinates, and, when appropriate, personally conducts investigations and special reviews involving allegations or indicators of:

• Fraud;
• Waste;
• Abuse;
• Financial irregularities;
• Misappropriation of University resources;
• Significant internal-control failures;
• Misconduct; or
• Other matters warranting independent institutional review.

The CAO will:

• Determine the appropriate scope, methodology, and resources for investigations assigned to or initiated by Internal Audit.
• Coordinate investigative activities, when appropriate, with the Chancellor, Legal Affairs, Compliance, Human Resources, Public Safety, Information Technology, and other appropriate University officials.
• Maintain independence, confidentiality, discretion, due process, and objectivity throughout investigative activities.
• Communicate significant investigative findings to appropriate institutional authorities.
• Refer matters to external governmental or law-enforcement entities when required by law, policy, or applicable reporting requirements.
• Identify systemic or control-related issues revealed through investigations and recommend appropriate corrective measures.

Audit Reporting and Corrective Action Monitoring

The Chief Audit Officer ensures that the results of internal audit activities are communicated clearly, objectively, and effectively.

The CAO will:

• Prepare and issue timely audit reports that communicate findings, risks, conclusions, and recommendations to responsible University officials.
• Communicate significant institutional risks, recurring control issues, and emerging audit themes to the Chancellor, senior leadership, and appropriate Board committee.
• Establish processes for tracking management responses and corrective-action plans resulting from audits, investigations, external reviews, and other oversight activities.
• Verify the implementation and effectiveness of management corrective actions.
• Elevate unresolved, overdue, or inadequately addressed findings when the associated risk warrants additional executive or Board attention.
• Provide periodic reports to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees regarding audit-plan progress, significant findings, corrective-action status, emerging risks, and the overall effectiveness of the internal audit function.

External Audit and Oversight Coordination

The Chief Audit Officer serves as a principal University liaison for external audit and oversight matters involving the internal audit function.

The CAO will:

• Coordinate internal audit activity with the University of North Carolina System Office and its Chief Audit Officer, as appropriate.
• Coordinate with the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor and other state or federal audit and oversight entities.
• Serve as a University liaison for external audit engagements, system-directed reviews, regulatory examinations, and other oversight activities as assigned.
• Facilitate appropriate access to University information and personnel while ensuring institutional coordination and compliance with legal and policy requirements.
• Coordinate audit coverage to minimize unnecessary duplication while ensuring adequate review of significant institutional risks.
• Monitor findings arising from external audit activity and assist University leadership in tracking and validating corrective actions.

Advisory and Consulting Services

Consistent with professional standards and without assuming management responsibility, the Chief Audit Officer will provide advisory and consulting services that improve governance, risk management, internal controls, and institutional effectiveness.

The CAO will:

• Advise University leaders regarding appropriate internal-control structures, risk mitigation strategies, and process improvements.
• Provide insight regarding proposed policies, procedures, systems, organizational changes, and significant institutional initiatives when doing so will not impair Internal Audit's independence.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and stewardship.
• Provide leadership with early visibility into emerging risks and control concerns.
• Promote institutional understanding of effective internal controls and sound risk-management practices.
• Serve as an objective resource to university leaders while preserving the independence required of the internal audit function.

Governance, Risk Management, and Institutional Accountability

The Chief Audit Officer serves as a senior institutional partner in strengthening governance and accountability across North Carolina Central University.

The CAO will:

• Maintain regular communication with the Chancellor and appropriate Board committee regarding significant audit, risk, and control matters.
• Provide independent perspectives concerning institutional governance, risk management, and control processes.
• Identify systemic trends and recurring issues that may require enterprise-level attention.
• Assist senior leadership in understanding the institutional implications of significant audit findings and emerging risks.
• Promote a culture in which accountability, transparency, continuous improvement, compliance, and responsible stewardship are viewed as shared institutional responsibilities.
• Balance appropriate professional skepticism and independence with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to institutional improvement.

Quality Assurance and Improvement Program

The Chief Audit Officer establishes and maintains a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Improvement Program for the University's internal audit function.

The CAO will:

• Monitor internal audit activities for conformance with applicable professional standards.
• Establish internal quality-review processes for audit planning, documentation, evidence, findings, reporting, and follow-up.
• Arrange periodic external quality assessments as required by professional standards.
• Develop and monitor performance measures for the Office of Internal Audit.
• Continuously assess opportunities to improve audit methodology, efficiency, technology utilization, data analytics, reporting, and institutional impact.
• Ensure that identified quality-improvement opportunities are appropriately addressed.

Staff Leadership and Office Administration

The Chief Audit Officer provides leadership for the personnel, operations, and resources assigned to the Office of Internal Audit.

The CAO will:

• Recruit, supervise, develop, evaluate, and retain highly qualified audit professionals.
• Establish clear expectations regarding professional performance, independence, confidentiality, integrity, and accountability.
• Assign audit responsibilities based upon institutional risk, professional expertise, staff capacity, and developmental needs.
• Promote continuing professional education and relevant professional certifications for audit staff.
• Develop the Office's annual budget and manage resources responsibly.
• Evaluate staffing, technology, professional-development, and external-resource needs necessary to execute the University's risk-based audit plan.
• Engage qualified external subject-matter experts when specialized expertise is required.
• Foster an office culture is characterized by professionalism, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, continuous learning, and high ethical standards.