Director of Internal Audit

About the position

The Director of Internal Audit at Cleveland State Community College plays a crucial role in assisting the college in achieving its objectives by providing objective assurance regarding risk management, control, and governance processes. This position is essential for ensuring that the college's operations are efficient, effective, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. The Director will report administratively to the college President and functionally to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Audit Committee through the TBR Chief Audit Executive (CAE). The primary responsibilities include developing the college's annual audit plan and conducting internal audits that encompass financial, operational, and compliance aspects as outlined in the plan or as directed by the President or TBR Audit Committee. The Director will oversee a comprehensive internal audit program, ensuring compliance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Standards and Code of Ethics. This role involves preparing annual audit plans based on discussions with senior leadership and conducting risk assessments. The Director will also develop audit programs, internal control questionnaires, and audit procedures, while examining college records for compliance with TBR and college policies, as well as state and federal laws. Regular meetings with management will be necessary to discuss findings, observations, and recommendations, and the Director will be responsible for conducting follow-up audits as required. In addition to audit responsibilities, the Director will provide management advisory services, interpret TBR policies, and coordinate special assignments from the President. The role requires establishing effective working relationships with various stakeholders, including college personnel and external auditors, and attending TBR Internal Audit Directors meetings. The Director will also be responsible for planning and executing a Quality Assurance and Improvement Plan (QAIP) in compliance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Standards, overseeing the internal audit budget, and fulfilling continuing professional education requirements to maintain necessary certifications.

Responsibilities

• Direct a comprehensive program of internal audit for the college, reporting results to the Audit Committee through the TBR CAE.
• Prepare annual audit plans based on discussions with the president and senior leadership and audit risk assessments.
• Develop audit programs, internal control questionnaires, audit procedures, working papers, and audit reports.
• Examine college records and test for compliance with TBR and college policies and with state and federal laws or regulations.
• Meet with management to discuss findings, observations, and recommendations.
• Conduct audit follow-up work as required, including follow-up audits for Comptroller of the Treasury findings.
• Provide required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the Audit Committee through the CAE.
• Meet regularly with the president and senior management to discuss strategic initiatives, risks, internal controls, and audit planning.
• Assist the president in maintaining operations that are fiscally well-controlled, efficient, and effective.
• Provide management advisory services, including interpreting TBR policies and guidelines, state and federal laws, and contractual agreements.
• Coordinate special assignments from the president and develop suggestions for enhancements.
• Analyze systems and processes for efficiency and make recommendations to appropriate administrators.
• Report allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse to the TBR Audit Committee through the TBR Office of System-wide Internal Audit.
• Conduct fraud, waste, or abuse investigations as required and make recommendations for improved controls and procedures.
• Assist and coordinate with the Tennessee Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury and other external auditors as necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with college personnel and external contacts.
• Attend TBR Internal Audit Directors meetings and serve on college committees as required.
• Plan and execute a documented Quality Assurance and Improvement Plan (QAIP) in compliance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Standards.
• Plan and oversee the internal audit budget based on goals and objectives congruent with the strategic plan.

Requirements

• Active CPA or CIA, or CISA certification required.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting or a related business field from a regionally accredited institution required.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in auditing; up to 2 years of professional experience in accounting or a related business field may be substituted for 2 years in auditing required.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communications skills.
• Documented experience working independently.
• Possess effective personal computing skills including Microsoft Office software programs.
• Possess knowledge of and skill in the use of integrated information systems for student and administrative functions.
• Possess effective analytical skills.
• Proven ability to exercise professional judgment in evaluating information and making recommendations.
• Excellent organizational and management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication and presentation skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Preferred experience working in public higher education.
• Preferred demonstrated effective skills and abilities for using ERP systems such as Ellucian Banner.

Benefits

• 401(a)
• 401(k) matching
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance (long and short term)
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $100 match, 403b, and 457
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year
• Sick and Annual Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants