Chief Audit Executive

The Chief Audit Executive serves as the senior-most executive responsible for leading the universitys internal audit function. This role ensures the integrity efficiency and effectiveness of institutional operations through independent evaluations of financial operational compliance and information systems. This role provides strategic guidance to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees promoting a culture of accountability transparency and continuous improvement.

Audit Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive risk-based internal audit plan aligned with institutional goals.
• Lead and manage internal audit staff and resources.
• Provide objective assurance and consulting services to improve university operations.
• Advance the use of technology assets within the internal audit department including the use of AI or other automation tools and analytics for analysis in their work.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal state and institutional policies and regulations including those specific to land-grant institutions.
• Monitor internal controls and recommend improvements to mitigate risk.
• Liaise with external auditors and regulatory agencies.

Reporting & Communication

• Present audit findings risk assessments and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Prepare detailed reports and dashboards for internal stakeholders.
• Maintain open lines of communication with university departments to foster collaboration and trust.

Ethics & Risk Management

• Promote ethical conduct and investigate potential fraud or misconduct.
• Collaborate with risk management and legal counsel to address emerging risks.
• Serve as a key advisor on institutional risk and control matters.

Quality Assurance and Improvement

• Establish and maintain a quality assurance and improvement program to ensure compliance consistency and quality in the internal audit functions operations.
• Work with institutional partners in a mutually cooperative and proactive manner to identify and define acceptable risk levels.
• Consult with institutional representatives and the Board of Trustees ARC Committee concerning the adequacy of the institutions internal audit activities staffing levels and internal controls.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

• Reports functionally to the Chair of the Board of Trustees Audit Risk and Compliance (ARC) Committee and administratively to the Office of the President. Supervises both exempt and non-exempt positions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in internal auditing public accounting or financial management including 5 years of leadership experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CPA CIA or CISA certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree or additional certifications.
• Experience in higher education or public sector auditing.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of audit standards risk management and compliance frameworks
• Skill in guiding departments through change especially when implementing new controls or systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical standards and professional conduct.
• Ability to foster a culture of accountability and transparency across the institution.
• Expertise in identifying assessing and mitigating institutional risksfinancial reputational operational and compliance-related.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust across departments and with senior leadership.
• Ability to translate complex audit findings into actionable insights for non-financial audiences.
• Ability to use audit software data visualization tools and ERP systems.
• Skill in analyzing large datasets to detect anomalies trends or inefficiencies.
• Understanding of how universities operate especially land-grant institutions with federal state and local funding streams.
• Familiarity with academic research and extension missions and how they impact financial and operational risk.

Along with the online application please attach:

1. Resumeto be uploaded at the beginning of your application inthe CandidateProfile under Resume/CV

2. Cover letterto be typed/pasted at the end of your application (iForm)

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants but not necessarily occasional temperature changes. Employees nearly continuously sit hear listen and talk. Often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing) and walking.

Founded in 1888 Utah State University is Utahs premier land-grant public service university. As an R1 research institution Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local regional and global communities. USU prepares students to be active civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education USU remains a leader in research discovery and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29800 students both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah States 30 locations include a main campus in Logan Utah residential campuses in Price and Blanding and six additional statewide campuses along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season.The Aggies long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in womens volleyball three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in womens soccer conference championships and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics reflecting USUs commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected valued and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit hire and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education research discovery outreach and believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability contact the universitys ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at or.

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities including in admissions and employment Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment based on race color religion sex national origin age genetic information sexual orientation gender identity disability status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by University policy Title IX or any other federal state or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring promotion transfer or termination based on race color religion sex national origin age genetic information sexual orientation gender identity disability status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal state or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race color religion sex familial status disability national origin source of income sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USUs non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination please visit or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

*updated 10/2025