Chief Audit Executive

Chief Audit Executive

This position, part of the Executive Leadership team, is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, independent assessment on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes for Colorado PERA. Responsible for conducting audits and advisory services in accordance with the Internal Audit Charter, which is approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees. This includes reporting conditions perceived to pose risks or potential losses to the organization, and for notifying management and the Audit Committee of perceived irregularities, fraud, or other acts detected through the application of usual and customary audit procedures. This position reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and works under the administrative supervision of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Identifies business risks to the organization and works with organizational staff to develop processes that minimize risks and encourage efficiency and effectiveness.
• Performs assessment and advisory services for PERA divisions regarding business risks, control objectives, and techniques.
• Develops an annual risk-based audit plan and presents the audit plan to the Audit Committee for approval.
• Provides leadership and direction to Internal Audit Division staff and is responsible for all management functions including hiring, developing, and creating a high-performance team.
• Establishes and maintains a customer service-focused work policy through example and clear, timely delineation of expectations.
• Selects, trains, and develops professional audit staff to ensure that the Internal Audit Division collectively possesses or obtains the knowledge, skills, professional certifications and other competencies needed to meet the requirements of the Internal Audit Charter.
• Ensures that staff have the resources, tools, and training needed to effectively perform their jobs.
• Ensures adherence to PERA's relevant policies and procedures unless such policies and procedures conflict with the Internal Audit Charter or the Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Ensures that internal audit staff remain independent, objective, and free from material impairments or conflicts of interest.
• Plans audit schedules, staff assignments and develops audit scope, workpaper and report format presentations.
• Develops and provides summaries of Internal Audit activity to the Audit Committee, works with the Audit Committee Chair to schedule and organize regular meetings of the Audit Committee, and responds to requests of the Audit Committee.
• Performs audit engagements that include well documented testing plans that assess the organization's adherence to laws, rules, regulations, policy and procedures, management directives, and industry best practices.
• Tracks the implementation status of engagement findings and corrective actions and reports periodically to the Executive Team and the Audit Committee any corrective actions not effectively implemented.
• Coordinates with the Office of the State Auditor and the external audit firm activities related to the annual external audit.
• Coordinates the Board of Trustees election process.
• Develops and presents the annual Internal Audit budget to the Audit Committee for approval. Ensures that the Division operates within the budget.
• Updates the Internal Audit Charter and presents it to the Audit Committee for approval at least once every five years.
• Monitors and considers trends and emerging issues that could impact PERA and current professional auditing standards and stays abreast of relevant changes.
• Manages the Ethics Line in accordance with the Board's Ethics Line Oversight and Governance Policy.
• Actively engages in training, conferences, and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• Attends all meetings of the Audit Committee and periodically meets with members of the Committee individually.
• Works collaboratively with other members of the Executive Team to ensure audits are effectively timed with business cycles.
• Participates on the Executive Team to provide advisory-related feedback on materials and policies, and other matters, while ensuring auditor independence can be maintained.
• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace.
• Manages special audit and advisory service projects and related projects.
• Carries out other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field

  • Ten years overall professional work experience in a related audit, risk and/or control function.
  • Three to five years in a leadership position.
  • Audit experience in investments, benefits, and information technology areas preferred.
  • Experience in designing and executing risk-based audit plans
  • Knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards, published by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
  • Certifications: CPA, CIA, CISA, CISSP, CISM, CGAP or CGFM, designation preferred

• Relevant Industry Experience:

  • Prior experience leading/supporting a function in a financial institution, pension industry, public sector or other relevant sector
  • Knowledge of governmental and pension industry specific accounting reporting requirements

• Regulatory and Compliance Acumen:

  • Knowledge of public sector regulations preferred
  • Familiarity with state and federal pension governance frameworks preferred
  • Experience engaging with and building credible relationships with a diversified group of regulators

• Technology & System Proficiency:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of audit management software such as TeamMate, and data analytics software such as ACL

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.
• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds
• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to operate standard PC equipment
• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules

Opportunity to work from home up to three days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

Colorado PERA offers more than a traditional pension career. We are a mission-driven organization with a growing focus on technology and modernization. Employees have the opportunity to do meaningful work with a real impact on over 700,000 members. From enhancing digital tools and member experiences to supporting major enterprise initiatives, employees are part of meaningful, future-focused work that blends public service with innovation. We take pride in our inclusive culture, career development opportunities, and our consistent recognition as a Top Workplace based on employee feedback. PERA is a place to connect, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

At PERA, leveraging employee strengths and supporting strong engagement are the foundations of our culture. Employees are encouraged to grow through development opportunities and internal career movement, while also being part of an organization where people feel respected, informed, and included. Collaboration is encouraged across teams, allowing employees to learn from one another and contribute in ways that maximize their unique skills. We strive to foster an environment where employees can do their best work and feel supported by the people around them.

PERA invests in our employees in ways that matter; from comprehensive benefits and generous paid time-off to thoughtful everyday amenities that enhance the office experience. Employees are encouraged to continue learning through training, mentoring, and development at every stage of their careers. We champion a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and equipped to grow.

If you're energized by meaningful work, motivated by an organization that evolves with a changing world and looking for an employer that invests in you, then consider joining PERA's team. Learn more about careers at PERA at copera.org/careers.