Position Description

The Department of Internal Audit reports directly to the University of Colorado (CU) Board of Regents through its Regent Audit Committee to ensure the University receives high quality audit, investigative, educational, and consulting services across the entire CU System. The Audit Director is responsible for planning and executing assurance and advisory engagements, primarily in the information technology and security space, for the benefit of the university. 

The individual in this position: (1) possesses knowledge associated with the professional practice of internal auditing, including information systems auditing; (2) applies theories, methods, principles, and practices associated with professional internal auditing and information systems auditing; (3) performs duties associated with professional auditing that are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, requiring creative, analytical, evaluative, interpretive, and/or critical thinking; and (4) exercises discretion and independent judgment, requiring only general supervision for day-to-day tasks.

This security-sensitive position requires a criminal and financial background check for initial appointments, or at any time when determined by the position’s supervisory authority to be in the best interests of the University.  In addition, this position requires adherence to the Code of Ethics promulgated by The Institute of Internal Auditors and the University’s Fiscal Code of Ethics.

This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Internal Audit (AVP) and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff System. 

COVID-19
The University of Colorado has a requirement for COVID-19 vaccinations and full completion of the attestation form within the first 30 days after hire date.  Information regarding this requirement, and exemptions can be found at https://www.cu.edu/vaccine-requirement https://www.cu.edu/vaccine-requirement

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Functional and Technical Project Management

• Responsible for supporting the annual risk assessment and specific audit planning processes.
• Supports AVP in periodic reassessment of the annual audit plan for emerging risks and relevance/timing of planned projects.
• Executes the audit plan through timely project completion.
• Responsible for looking beyond project risk to higher level program and enterprise risk to understand the implications across the university.
• Performs a high-level analysis of risk that translates to actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
• Untangles highly complex issues and risk to the ultimate root cause.
• Leverages projects and stakeholder needs into projects that reduce university’s overall risk profile and enable achievement of strategic goals and objectives.
• Produces executive-ready work product with minimal revision necessary.
• Represents the concerns and perspectives of Internal Audit Department at interdepartmental and/or intercampus meetings.

Department Planning and Administration

• Sets a strong example for the team to engage in critical thinking and high-level root cause analysis.
• Effectively communicates the department strategy and translates it into tactical execution of key projects.
• Supports the AVP in alignment and achievement of departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• Actively leads and supports the departmental strategic initiatives and projects.
• Supports the department budgeting process, leads in stewarding department and university resources.
• Identifies opportunities for team development and stretch goals for team members.
• Supports recruiting efforts within the department.
• Uses appropriate methods and a flexible interpersonal style to help build a cohesive team, facilitates the establishment of team goals and tracks team progress to ensure goals are met.
• Supports and participates in the development of the agendas and related materials for the Regent Audit Committee meetings.
• Has oversight responsibilities for the coaching, training, performance evaluation and professional development of assurance team members.
• Proactively and effectively manages interpersonal conflict, reaching positive and productive solutions that are focused on professional growth and development, as well as successful project completion.

Communication & Collaboration

• Works collaboratively across the Internal Audit team, fostering creativity, continuous improvement, and a strong sense of community.
• Initiates and maintains strategic relationships that remove barriers across the organization and support departmental goals.
• Acts as an ambassador for Internal Audit, positively influences the business and risk management functions in terms of the value Internal Audit can bring.
• Stays active in the Internal Audit community to keep abreast of innovative practices and emerging risks.
• Encourages high level of collaboration across all levels of stakeholders, effectively networks throughout the university.
• Negotiates to allow for win-win resolutions to difficult issues with stakeholders.
• Clearly and succinctly conveys information and ideas to individuals and groups in a variety of situations; communicates in a focused and compelling way that drives others’ thoughts and actions.
• Uses appropriate interpersonal/communication styles and understanding of key drivers to create and gain buy-in from stakeholders.
• Coordinates with external auditors and provides support on external audits as appropriate.

Education and Counseling

• Provides advice, counsel and education to the university community through such mechanisms as workshops, committee participation, and consultation projects, to enhance the university’s understanding of sound business practices that improve process quality, risk mitigation, and university objective achievement, and strengthens the control environment.
• Establishes role as subject matter expert by stakeholders and university executive management.

Continuous Improvement and Adaptability

• Develops and improve knowledge and skills outside of core technical area, related to the theories, methods and principles of the profession of internal auditing, and knowledge of the University environment.
• Shares knowledge by preparing and delivering development sessions, counseling and education to department staff, peers and others.
• Critically evaluates Internal Audit processes for continuous improvement opportunities.
• Supports the Quality Assessment and Improvement Program.