Vice President - Audit & Advisory Services

About the Opportunity

Job Summary:

The VP of Audit & Advisory Services (A&AS) reports administratively to the SVP Finance &Treasurer and has a direct reporting relationship to the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees.

The VP A&AS is responsible for developing, planning, organizing and directing the University’s internal auditing program based on overall risk assessments. The Vice President of Audit and Assurance Services collaborates with Risk Services and Compliance Services, responsible for risk assessment, enterprise risk management (ERM), and overseeing the University’s compliance program implementation and management. Together, they craft a comprehensive plan, to be carried out by audit staff, that effectively addresses the University's risk assessment, auditing, and compliance needs.

The VP A&AS plans and conducts financial, operational, and compliance audits to determine:

• the adequacy of the institution’s systems of internal control and the degree of compliance with these controls,
• the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of financial, administrative and academic management,
• the degree of compliance with institutional policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations

The VP A&AS is also charged with conducting special investigations as requested, and making recommendations for improved controls, operating procedures, accounting records, and systems designs. The VP must interact with high-level officers of the institution on matters of policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field required; master’s degree preferred; Professional certification including Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor required; ten years or more experience in public accounting, internal auditing, or governmental auditing and/or accounting; including at least three years in internal audit and at least five years supervisory experience; experience with higher education or other institutional environment is desirable. Must have demonstrated experience performing risk assessments in complex organizations and incorporating the results of the risk assessment into the audit plan.

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and manage others in a wide variety of activities. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and guidelines. Must demonstrate proven ability to interact with high level officials and maintain effective working relationships with auditees of any level from all areas of campus as well as external contacts. Able to implement a customer service driven approach audit program. The VP must be able to build a sustainable organization, and have demonstrated skills as a developer and trainer who knows how to get the most from his/her team and each of its individual members.

Key Responsibilities:

Audit Operations  - Oversees the operations and deliverables of the Audit & Advisory Services’ function. Performs the annual risk assessment and prepares the annual audit plan. Determines the priority of audits and assigns staff accordingly. Provides information and sound recommendations to management through organized, complete and accurate reports and works with management to obtain agreement on action plans to address audit issues. Leads the recruitment, assessment, and development of the audit team. Builds a valuable team that is viewed as trusted and knowledgeable risk leaders. Ensures that the audit team performs audit testing , identifies appropriate controls and key business risks, and evaluates the adequacy of the controls designed to manage those risks. 

Consulting/Special Projects  - Respond effectively to management's request for specific and/or special projects. Participate and contribute to University initiatives. Manage consulting engagements and investigations as necessary.  Receive and respond to reports made to the University Anonymous Hotline.  Assess and reallocate staff resources to ensure key projects and investigations are handled promptly.

Compliance & Risk Management  - Working with risk-related functions (e.g., Compliance, EHS, Finance, Public Safety, Research), develop methodologies to assess strategic risk issues. Assist in prioritizing key institutional risks and overseeing risk assessment, risk mitigation strategies, and reporting.

Relationship with Audit Committee & Senior Management  - Communicate regularly with the Audit & Risk Committee, CFO, and key University leaders about the effectiveness of the University’s system of internal controls and recommends process improvements as needed.

External Affiliations  - Maintain professional networks within higher education and internal audit. Keep abreast of emerging issues and best practices in order to inform management and the risk assessment process.  Represent and promote the institution at external conferences and meetings.  Maintain relationships and open communication with external auditors.

Position Type

Leadership

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .