Internal Auditor

Position Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Internal Audit professional to support and strengthen its internal control environment, risk management processes, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance activities. This individual will partner with leadership across academic, administrative, research, finance, athletics, healthcare, and auxiliary functions to identify risks, assess controls, and provide recommendations that enhance organizational performance.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in internal audit, risk assessment, compliance, finance, and process improvement, with experience working in complex organizations such as higher education, healthcare, government, or large corporate environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Audit Planning & Execution

• Plan, organize, and execute operational, financial, compliance, and information systems audits.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify areas of exposure and determine audit priorities.
• Develop audit programs, testing procedures, and workpapers in accordance with professional auditing standards.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements.
• Present audit findings and recommendations to management and executive leadership.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Assess compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Support enterprise risk management initiatives and assist with risk identification activities.
• Evaluate controls related to sponsored research, grants administration, financial aid, procurement, cash management, payroll, and other key higher education processes.
• Monitor emerging risks impacting higher education institutions.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Analyze workflows and recommend process enhancements.
• Assist departments with developing corrective action plans and remediation strategies.
• Follow up on audit findings to ensure timely resolution.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with leadership and department administrators across the institution.
• Serve as a trusted advisor while maintaining audit independence and objectivity.
• Communicate audit results clearly and professionally to various audiences.
• Facilitate meetings and discussions regarding audit outcomes and risk mitigation efforts.

Reporting

• Prepare comprehensive audit reports summarizing findings, risks, recommendations, and management responses.
• Present updates regarding audit activities, risk assessments, and project status.
• Support annual audit planning and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of internal audit, external audit, compliance, risk management, or related experience.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, risk assessment methodologies, and auditing standards.
• Experience leading audits from planning through final reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

Preferred

• Experience within higher education, healthcare, government, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations.
• Professional certification such as:
• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
• CRMA (Certification in Risk Management Assurance)
• Experience with ERP systems such as Workday, Banner, PeopleSoft, Oracle, or Ellucian.
• Familiarity with grants management, sponsored research, Title IV financial aid regulations, compliance programs, or higher education operations.