Head of Internal Audit

Head Of Internal Audit

The Head of Internal Audit serves as the senior audit professional responsible for leading and managing the internal audit function for Delaware County. This position reports directly to the First Deputy Controller and serves at the pleasure of the Controller. The role is responsible for planning, directing, and executing comprehensive financial and operational audits of County departments, offices, and agencies to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

The Head of Internal Audit plays a critical role in protecting taxpayer resources, strengthening internal controls, identifying waste, fraud, and abuse, and promoting accountability and transparency throughout Delaware County government.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and oversee all internal audit activities, including financial, operational, compliance, and performance audits, as well as special investigations.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, risk-based annual audit plan aligned with the Controller's strategic priorities and County needs.
• Lead and supervise internal audit staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• Establish audit policies, procedures, and methodologies consistent with Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS/Yellow Book).
• Manage audit resources and timelines effectively.
• Conduct complex financial and operational audits of County departments, row offices, tax collectors, grant programs, and other County functions.
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management processes, and governance structures.
• Evaluate compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, County policies, and grant requirements applicable to County operations.
• Identify control weaknesses, financial errors, process inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop evidence-based findings and practical, actionable recommendations.
• Conduct special audits and investigations at the direction of the Controller.
• Prepare comprehensive, clear, and professional audit reports for the Controller, County Council, and other stakeholders.
• Present audit findings, recommendations, and status updates to senior management and elected officials.
• Communicate effectively with auditees throughout the audit process.
• Track and follow up on the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive audit information and HIPAA-restricted data.
• Ensure all audits comply with Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS/Yellow Book).
• Maintain independence, objectivity, and professional skepticism in all audit work.
• Implement quality control procedures to ensure audit work meets professional standards.
• Coordinate with external auditors, state auditors, and federal oversight agencies, as required.
• Stay current on auditing standards, best practices, and emerging issues affecting county government.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Controller on audit, risk, and control matters.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, Budget Management Department, Treasurer, County Solicitor (separate from the Controller's Solicitor), and other County offices.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with department heads and County officials.
• Participate in county-wide initiatives to improve financial management and internal controls.
• Represent the Controller's Office in professional associations and training forums.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

• Regular, reliable physical presence in the office is required.
• Work involves sitting, standing, walking, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 40 pounds, and the use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus for reading documents and computer screens.
• Work is performed in a normal office environment, with occasional travel to remote locations within Delaware County for audit fieldwork.
• Standard business hours are expected, with occasional evening or weekend work as needed to meet audit deadlines. This is a 37.5-hour-per-week position, with additional hours as necessary.

Other Requirements

• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check.
• Valid driver's license required for travel to audit sites.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality of audit information, personnel matters, and sensitive County data.
• Must maintain independence in fact and appearance, with no financial or personal relationships that would impair objectivity.

Appointment Authority

Pursuant to Delaware County Home Rule Charter Section 607 and the Administrative Code, the Controller has sole authority to appoint the Head of Internal Audit and other audit staff, subject to budgetary approval of County Council. The Head of Internal Audit serves at the pleasure of the Controller.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Delaware County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, membership in an employee organization, political affiliation, or status as a veteran. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.