Chief audit officer

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff \"for fit\" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer:Health & Wellness:Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health supportWork-Life Balance:PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangementsFinancial Wellness:Competitive salary, 403(b) with company matchProfessional Development:Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement pathsAdditional Perks:Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company cultureJoin Howard University and thrive with us Howard University is seeking a Chief Audit Officer (CAO) who serves as the institution's senior audit executive, leading the internal audit function with authority and independence to provide objective assurance and advisory services across all university operations. The CAO plays a critical role in protecting institutional assets, enhancing operational effectiveness, and supporting the achievement of strategic objectives through systematic evaluation and improvement of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Planning & Audit ExecutionDevelop and annually update a comprehensive, risk-based internal audit plan aligned with the university's strategic priorities, emerging risks, and compliance requirementsPresent the annual audit plan to the Audit Committee for review and approval, adapting priorities dynamically in response to changing institutional needsDirect and oversee all internal audit engagements, including financial, operational, compliance, information technology, and investigative auditsEnsure audit work is performed in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA Standards)Implement and maintain a quality assurance and improvement program, including periodic external assessmentsCoordinate audit activities with external auditors and regulatory agencies to maximize coverage and minimize redundancyReporting & CommunicationPrepare and present comprehensive audit reports to the President, senior leadership, and Audit Committee, including findings, risk ratings, and actionable recommendationsCommunicate significant risk exposures, control deficiencies, and governance concerns to the Audit Committee in a timely and transparent mannerProvide quarterly status reports on audit plan progress, emerging risks, follow-up on prior recommendations, and resource utilizationMeet privately with the Audit Committee without management present to discuss sensitive mattersReview audit workpapers, findings, and reports to ensure quality, accuracy, and appropriate support for conclusionsRisk Management & Advisory ServicesConduct ongoing enterprise risk assessments in collaboration with senior leadership to identify and prioritize audit areasMonitor the institutional risk environment, including emerging risks related to technology, cybersecurity, research integrity, Title IX, athletics, sponsored programs, and student servicesProvide advisory services and consultation on new systems, processes, policies, and strategic initiatives from a risk and control perspectiveTrack regulatory and legal developments affecting higher education, including federal and state requirements, accreditation standards, and grant complianceFacilitate training and awareness programs on internal controls, fraud prevention, ethics, and risk managementInvestigations & Special ProjectsLead or oversee investigations into allegations of fraud, financial irregularities, policy violations, or misconduct with appropriate confidentiality and due processCoordinate with Human Resources, General Counsel, and law enforcement as appropriate during investigationsConduct special projects and ad hoc reviews at the request of the Audit Committee, President, or senior leadershipIndependence & Professional StandardsMaintain organizational independence and individual objectivity in all audit activities, free from interference in determining scope, performing work, and communicating resultsUphold the IIA Code of Ethics and maintain professional skepticism in all engagementsEnsure the internal audit function has unrestricted access to records, personnel, and physical properties relevant to audit activitiesAvoid conflicts of interest and recuse from audits where independence may be compromisedTeam Leadership & External CoordinationRecruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate internal audit staff, fostering professional development and maintaining a high-performing teamPromote continuing professional education and certification for audit staffManage the internal audit budget and allocate resources effectively to achieve audit plan objectivesServe as the primary liaison with external auditors for financial statement audits, federal compliance audits (Single Audit), and NCAA agreed-upon proceduresManage relationships with external firms engaged for specialized audits or consulting servicesQualifications:Education:Required:Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related fieldPreferred:Master's degree in accounting, business administration (MBA), public administration (MPA), or related disciplineCertifications:Required:At least one of the following professional certifications:Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)Preferred:Multiple relevant certifications demonstrating breadth of expertiseExperience:Minimum of 10 years of progressive internal audit experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management roleDemonstrated experience in higher education, public sector, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizational environments strongly preferredProven track record of developing and executing risk-based audit plans and managing audit engagements from planning through reportingExperience presenting audit findings and recommendations to audit committees or boards of directorsKnowledge & Skills:Comprehensive understanding of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the COSO Internal Control FrameworkStrong knowledge of governance, enterprise risk management, and compliance frameworks (e.g., COSO ERM, ISO 31000)Familiarity with higher education regulations including Title IV financial aid, OMB Uniform Guidance, research compliance, NCAA rules, and FERPAProficiency in data analytics tools and audit management softwareUnderstanding of information technology controls, cybersecurity risks, and IT audit methodologiesKnowledge of fraud detection and prevention techniquesCompetencies:Leadership:Ability to lead and inspire a professional team, influence organizational change, and navigate complex institutional environmentsCommunication:Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiencesAnalytical Thinking:Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills with attention to detailRelationship Building:Diplomatic and collaborative approach, with ability to build trust and credibility across all organizational levelsIntegrity:Unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, objectivity, and professional standardsJudgment:Sound decision-making ability and professional skepticism, balanced with pragmatism and business acumenAdaptability: