Chief Audit Officer

About the Opportunity

The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) reports functionally to the Board of Governors' Committee on Audit, Risk Management, and Compliance (CARMC) and administratively to the President of the UNC System. The President has delegated the administrative reporting relationship to the Chief of Staff. The purpose of this position is primarily to oversee and manage the internal audit functions for the UNC System Office, NCSSM, and NCSEAA in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) as required by NC General Statute 143-746. Meeting this objective requires the CAO to manage professional auditing staff in the conduct of financial, compliance, information technology, and operational efficiency and effectiveness audits. The position also serves as the primary liaison for campus chief audit officers to the UNC System Office and to the Board of Governors CARMC; provides staff support to the CARMC on audit-related matters; serves as a primary liaison from the University to the Office of the State Auditor and the Central Office of Internal Audit on audit-related matters; serves as an advisor to the System Office Risk Review Board; participates in key workgroups and committees, as requested, to advise on enterprise risk or compliance-related matters; works to create awareness of internal audit's value-added services to the University; and develops, presents, and/or participates in professional development programs across the University as well as other higher education professional organizations (i.e. ACUA, Institute of Internal Auditors, etc.). The position collaborates closely with the UNC System Office chief of staff, office of the general counsel, division of campus safety and security, information technology division, and budget and finance division.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the UNC System Office

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics. System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

About the Team

The President is the UNC System's chief administrative and executive officer, with complete authority to manage the affairs and execute the policies of the University, subject to the direction of the Board of Governors. The work of the President and Board of Governors is supported by a staff within the UNC System office. The Office of the Chief of Staff falls within the immediate Office of the President and coordinates the operations of the president's office and provides direct support to the president in carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities in managing the affairs of the University. The UNC System Office of Internal Audit (OIA) strives to provide risk-based services that help its audit entities accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal control, and governance processes. The objective of any assurance, consulting, or advisory service that internal audit provides is to enhance or protect the organization's value and improve operations. The internal audit function is a central point for coordinating oversight of activities that promote accountability, integrity, efficiency, and compliance. The OIA provides internal audit services to the UNC System Office, including PBS NC, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), and the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). In addition to internal audit services provided to the UNC System Office and its audit entities, the OIA provides systemwide support to the constituent institutions by serving as the primary liaison from the campus internal audit departments to the Board of Governors Committee on Audit, Risk Management, and Compliance (CARMC) and serving as a point of contact on audit related matters with the Office of the State Auditor as well as the Central Office of Internal Audit at the Office of State Budget and Management.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

The position requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field, and six years of audit experience including four years of internal audit experience and three years of supervisory experience; or a bachelor's degree in any field and certification/licensure as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with an audit focus that is accompanied by six years of audit experience including four years of internal audit experience and three years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. CPA and/or CIA designation preferred.

Required Competencies

Thorough knowledge of theories, principles, and systems design related to organizational governance, risk management, and internal controls.

• Thorough knowledge of internal and/or government auditing standards, including principles, procedures, and techniques for conducting information system, financial, operational, compliance, and/or investigations.

• Thorough knowledge of the business acumen, and the ability to monitor industry trends and emerging risk.

• Thorough knowledge of organizational and managerial practices, principles, and theories.

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of data analytics and continuous auditing.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

• Ability to compile, monitor, and examine a variety of large, complex data and exercise judgement in evaluating or interpreting results.

• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

• Ability to recognize complex and unique risks, weaknesses, or inefficiencies and develop resolution and/or consult with leadership to achieve resolution.

• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective strategic relationships with senior management, agencies, committees, legislators, external auditors, federal monitors and public, adapting communication style to target audiences.

• Ability to make effective and efficient oral and written presentations aimed at reaching a variety of audiences.

• Ability to question assumptions and anticipate issues before they arise.

• Mature, self-motivated, and enthusiastic, with a strong performance discipline.

• Possess a broad knowledge of and years of experience with leading an internal audit function that has a direct reporting relationship to a governing board.

• Ability to manage a departmental budget for the internal audit function.

• Possess an appreciation for the unique characteristics of the individual institutions comprising the system.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks/assignments independently.

• Ability to lead thoughtfully, manage, promote participation and teamwork, and think strategically.

• Familiarity of the higher education operating environment.

• Classification: Associate Vice President

• Appointment Type: Permanent

• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

• Employment Type: EHRA

• Location: Raleigh, NC USA

• Position Number: G0000020

• Special Instructions to Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by May 31, 2024 will be given priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.