Chief Auditor - University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
About the Job
Department: Internal Audit
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $180,000 - $230,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA14-Fiscal Year 2023-2024
FTE: 1.0
Application Review Begins
March 31, 2024; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
The University of Oregon has engaged Opus Partners to assist this search. Katie Dean, Associate Partner and Chris Stadler, Senior Associate, are leading the search. To apply, seek additional information, or nominate qualified candidates, please email Chris at chris.stadler@opuspartners.net. To be considered for the position, candidates must formally apply via Opus Partners and must provide a resume and cover letter addressing the responsibilities, expectations, and requirements of the role.
Department Summary
The Office of Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting department designed to add value and improve university operations. The Office helps the University accomplish its mission and objectives by evaluating and identifying opportunities to improve the effectiveness of governance processes, risk management, and internal controls. The Office is responsible for developing and implementing a flexible annual audit plan using an appropriate risk-based methodology. The annual audit plan includes consideration of risks and control concerns identified by the Board, management, and others, and is reviewed and approved by the President and Executive, Audit, and Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Internal Audit team works collaboratively with the Enterprise Risk Management program to maintain an enterprise-level Risk Exposure Matrix (or risk assessment). In addition, the Chief Auditor is a member of the Strategic Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance Committee, which is advisory to the president.
Position Summary
The Chief Auditor directs the university’s independent internal audit program and coordinates a broad range of audit functions in support of the needs of the university. The Chief Auditor is responsible for creating and managing a program to deliver financial, operational, performance, and compliance audits as needed. The Chief Auditor is responsible for managing a team of professionals to achieve the unit’s responsibilities and goals. The Chief Auditor reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is managed administratively by the President.
The Chief Auditor will provide strategic leadership and direction to the audit program, while also providing effective audit project management when necessary. The Chief Auditor will collaborate with campus partners to address complex issues effectively and efficiently and will be an advisory and trusted partner to stakeholders across the university. In addition, the Chief Auditor will mentor and develop the talent within the office.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution in accounting, finance or closely related field and seven years of progressively responsible experience in internal auditing, or;
• An unrelated bachelor’s degree and ten years of progressively responsible experience in internal auditing.
• CPA or CIA, or similar professional certification.
Professional Competencies
• Effective communication skills to both technical and non-
technical audiences.
• The ability to successfully manage multiple projects.
• Ability to attract, retain, and manage a high performing team of employees.
• A detail-oriented and analytical approach.
• Knowledge of financial and operational controls.
• Experience with best in class audit methodologies, leading internal or external audit strategies.
• Ability to be collaborative and solution-oriented while maintaining appropriate independence.
• Enjoys problem solving and creating efficiencies.
• Established reputation for honesty, candor, and high ethical conduct.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Ability to successfully navigate complex and decentralized institutions, with a proven track record of building effective relationships, including at senior management level.
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree in accounting, finance, or closely related field.
• Experience in management, leadership, and team building.
• Experience in audit of sponsored research expenditures and compliance.
• Additional relevant certifications (e.g., CISA or CFE).
• Audit or related experience in a higher education environment.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.