Chief Audit Officer/Director of Internal Audits

Chief Audit Officer/Director of Internal Audits

Department: Office of Internal Audits - 650000

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a discipline related to program area assigned from an accredited institution
• 10 years of auditing experience, including five years of supervisory audit experience
• License/Certification Requirement: CPA, CIA, or another appropriate audit industry professional certification

License/Certification Required

CPA, CIA, or another appropriate audit industry professional certification required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in governmental auditing/ higher education auditing and/or IT audit experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of Banner
• Data Analytics expertise utilizing Tableau
• Audit Productivity software expertise
• Master's Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with operational, compliance, and information technology audits, as well as investigations and management advisory services
• Experience leading and developing an audit team

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities of the Chief Audit Officer:

• Develop and implement a strategy for the internal audit function that supports the strategic objectives and success of the organization and aligns with the expectations of the board, senior management, and other key stakeholders.
• Establish and implement an approved risk-based annual Audit Plan, including special tasks or projects requested by management and the ARC Committee.
• Report periodically to the ARC Committee and the Chancellor on the internal audit activities and performance relative to the Audit Plan and provide a comparison of the Plan with audits added, completed, and canceled during a given fiscal year.
• Keep the Chancellor and ARC Committee informed of emerging trends and issues that could impact the University.
• Assists the ARC Committee Chair in running the ARC Committee meetings, proposes draft agendas, and assists with the preparation of other related ARC Committee materials (including scripts, presentations, etc.).
• Conduct and/or assist investigations of suspected fraudulent activities.
• Provide advisory services to management that add value and promote the best interests of the University.
• Ensure all reporting obligations to the UNC System Office and OSBM are met.
• Ensure that internal audit resources are appropriate, sufficient, and effectively deployed.
• Establish internal audit policies and procedures to guide the internal audit program activities (in compliance with the Audit Manual, IIA Standards, and other laws, rules, and regulations).
• Coordinate activities with other internal and external providers of relevant assurance and advisory services to ensure proper coverage and minimize duplication of efforts.
• Leading and training staff in IIA areas of ethics and professionalism.
• Provide audit engagement oversight to include:
  • Engagement audit program approval
  • Policy development and approval relative to audit workpaper documentation
  • Policy development and control over custody, access, and retention of audit workpapers and reports
  • Policy development regarding criteria for communicating audit engagement results (to include documented CAO approval of final report)
  • Follow-up processes to monitor and ensure that management actions have been effectively implemented
• Maintain a professional audit staff with sufficient knowledge, skills, experience, competencies, and professional certifications to meet the requirements of the Charter to include:
  • Administer hiring processes to select qualified and competent staff
  • Perform annual performance evaluations
  • Counsel internal auditors on their performance and professional development
  • Train and provide continuing educational opportunities for each auditor
  • Ensure that job descriptions are accurate and up-to-date
• Establish a quality assurance and improvement program
• Periodically assess whether the purpose, authority, and responsibility, as defined in the Charter, continue to be adequate to enable the internal audit program to accomplish its objectives
• Develop and maintain productive client, staff, management, and board relationships through individual contacts and group meetings
• Represent internal auditing at management and board meetings and with external organizations
• Pursue professional development opportunities, including internal and external training and professional association memberships
• Benchmark audit work processes and promote continuous process improvement
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the internal audit activity and report the results of the KPIs to senior leaders, the Chancellor, and the ARC committee
• Serve as the Audit Liaison Officer, as the University's point of contact regarding external audits with State and Federal agencies, including coordinating any required follow-ups on any recommendations

**Work Schedule/Hours:**Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Suggested Salary Range: $122,000 - $144,000

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Evaluation of Applications Begins: 05/18/2026

Proposed Date of Hire: 06/29/2026

To apply, visit https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54078

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.