Chief Audit Executive

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia¿s colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university¿s vibrant culture, career opportunities, and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are searching for talented people to join our mission. Come to KSU and find your passion.

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Responsible for pursuing the office's mission by functioning as an integral part of the corporate governance structure by enhancing the University's ability to achieve its mission, goals, and objectives. Reports to the University President and the Vice Chancellor of Internal Audit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.  Serves on the University President's Cabinet.  Directs the internal audit function for the University, including its cooperative organizations, by performing operational, performance, compliance, information technology and financial audits and reviews. Responsibilities include providing management with independent analysis and evaluations of internal controls to ensure compliance with policies, processes, procedures, and regulations of the University and appropriate external agencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Directs the Internal Audit Department
2. Establishes appropriate goals and objectives for the audit department
3. Develops and executes a comprehensive audit plan through the use of a risk assessment to
effectively identify the University's potential exposure to loss or risk
4. Plans, executes and evaluates the institution's internal auditing program
5. Conducts risk-based audits, both scheduled and unscheduled, with concentration on policies,
procedures, and practices that relate to the control safeguarding, and accountability of funds
and assets
6. Conducts operational, financial and information technology audits to ensure compliance with policies, processes, procedures and laws for the University, Board of Regents, State of Georgia and the federal government
7. Supervises the internal audit staff to ensure that audit and investigative work is performed effectively and in accordance with professional standards
8. Enhances and maintains the proficiency of departmental personnel through coaching, continuing education and participation in training
9. Maintains the Audit Policy and Operations Manual that establishes policies, processes and procedures for the department
10. Ensures the Manual is efficient and effective and that it complies with applicable professional standards
11. Directs and supervises audit staff in preparing and submitting audit/investigation programs and working papers using the audit software for each engagement/investigation
12. Directs and supervises audit staff to assist with planning, organizing, monitoring, and preparing the quarterly reports (i.e., Status of Audit Findings Report and Status of Audit Plan Report) required by the Board of Regents
13. Plans and coordinates post-fieldwork activities related to each audit assignment including discussions with management regarding audit observations, preparation of the audit report, submission of client satisfaction surveys, review of management responses, and reporting to the Board of Regents' Vice Chancellor of Internal Audit
14. Prepares and distributes reports on the results of reviews and audits including recommendations for modification of management practices, fiscal policies, and accounting procedures as justified by audit findings
15. On a periodic basis, reports to the University President and the Board of Regents' Vice Chancellor of Internal Audit on the status of the current year's audit plan and outstanding audit findings
16. Performs follow-up reviews to determine whether corrective actions to audit recommendations have been implemented
17. Annually assesses the audit department's performance and effectiveness as well as
compliance with applicable standards in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors
professional standards
18. Ensures the Internal Audit Department receives an external quality assurance assessment
from an independent party at least every five years in accordance with the Institute of
Internal Auditors professional standards
19. Administers the Ethics and Compliance Program
20. Directs the University¿s Ethics and Compliance Hotline, including participating on the Ethics &
Compliance Triage Committee, and investigating allegations when appropriate
21. Keeps the University President informed on sensitive hotline incident reports
22. Investigates allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in collaboration with other University departments as required (Legal Affairs, Human Resources, University Police, etc.) and keeps the Board of Regents¿ Vice Chancellor of Internal Audit informed on these matters as required by USG Business Procedures Manual
23. Monitors the University¿s Conflict of Interest/Outside Activity disclosure tool
24. Provide advice to personnel regarding policy and disclosure requirements
25. Coordinates and plan the USG¿s annual Ethics Awareness Week activities
26. Collaborates with the Enterprise Risk Manager to reduce risk to the organization. Performs special reviews or investigations as requested by leadership
27. Facilitates communication and coordination of stakeholders for effective governance
28. Advises in the establishment or revision of accounting systems and procedures in various departments, colleges, or divisions
29. Provides advice upon request by the campus community regarding processes, practices, policies, and/or procedures
30. Participates on campus committees to assist and remain informed of impending changes in processes or functions
31. Maintains effective communications with the University President through regularly scheduled meetings
32. Represents the University at periodic meetings with the Board of Regents' Vice Chancellor of Internal Audit
33. Presents on topics related to auditing and accounting to business classes as requested or needed

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Accounting, Auditing, Information Systems or related field
Other Required Qualifications
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Required Experience
Ten (10) years of internal or external auditing experience

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Proficiency in financial accounting principles and techniques including a deep understanding of management and operational principles related to a large business organization that includes academic, research, and auxiliary units, in order to recognize and evaluate the materiality and significance of deviations from "good business practice."
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education preferably MBA, MAcc, or MSIS
Preferred Experience
Internal or external auditing experience in higher education or government
Public accounting firm experience

ABILITIES
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage employees
Able to identify and evaluate key risks and related internal controls 
Able to motivate others and promote teamwork and foster a cooperative work environment 
Able to challenge the status quo, explain the necessity for change and help others accept and implement change
Able to apply business knowledge and practical experience to the identification, analysis and solution process 
Able to work independently and be a self-starter, as well as work as an effective team member
Able to interact with executive leadership at the University and the University System of Georgia 
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
SKILLS
Demonstrated skills in researching, collecting, and analyzing complex data, evaluating processes and internal controls and drawing logical conclusions
Continuously develop and improve auditing skills; demonstrate reliability; exhibit honesty and integrity; hold themselves accountable for words and actions; show respect for others; follow through on commitments; participate in professional training opportunities 
Ensure the protection of information and data involved in audits, investigations, and special reviews
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 202, [email protected].

This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position requires a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf