Associate Vice President for Internal Audit

Gonzaga; Spokane (WA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gonzaga seeks an Associate Vice President for Internal Audit to lead the university's internal audit function. You will direct audits of operations, systems, and processes to ensure integrity and compliance, reporting to both VPHR and the Audit and Risk Management committee.

The role emphasizes strategy, governance, policy development, and executive communication with cross-functional teams. A Bachelor's degree and 8+ years in internal audit are required; CPA/CIA/JD preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 8+ years in internal audit.
• CPA, CIA, JD preferred certifications.
• Strong leadership, risk management, and executive reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement internal audit strategy aligned with board expectations.
• Report to ARC Committee and President on audit activities.
• Establish internal audit policies compliant with IPPF and laws.
• Coordinate with other assurance providers to ensure coverage.
• Establish KPIs and report results to senior leadership.

Skills

IPPF Knowledge

Risk Management

Governance

Data Analytics

Regulatory Knowledge

Leadership

Executive Communication

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Auditing Standards

Cybersecurity Awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SQL

Python

PowerBI

Tableau

Job description

Title: Associate Vice President for Internal Audit

VP Area: Internal Audit

Department: Internal Audit

Work Schedule: Fixed daytime hours Monday-Friday

Telework Availability: Occasional Telework Available

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employee Classification:Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

Application Materials: Resume + Cover Letter Required

Job Purpose

This role sits at the intersection of trust, accountability, and collaboration, helping ensure the university's ecosystem remains strong, compliant, and forward-thinking. This role connects the dots between policy, people, and practice and can explain complex concepts without sounding like a spreadsheet. Responsible for directing the internal audit function to review operational, system, and other processes for compliance with established standards and controls to ensure integrity and compliance of the institution. This role maintains dual reporting to VPHR and the Audit and Risk Management committee of the Board of Trustees.

Essential Functions

• 30% - Internal Audit Strategy & Strategic Alignment:
  • Develop and implement a strategy for the internal audit function that supports the strategic objectives and success of the organization and aligns with the expectations of the board, senior management, and other key stakeholders.

• 20% - Audit Committee Reporting & Governance:
  • Report periodically to the ARC Committee and the President on the internal audit activities and performance relative to the Audit Plan and provide a comparison of the plan with audits added, completed, and canceled during a given fiscal year.

• 30% - Internal Audit Policy, Compliance & Oversight:
  • Establish internal audit policies and procedures to guide the internal audit program activities (in compliance with the Audit Manual, IIA Standards, and other laws, rules, and regulations).
  • Coordinate actives with other internal and external providers of relevant assurance and advisory services other ensure proper coverage and minimize duplication of efforts.
  • Policy development regarding criteria for communicating audit engagement results. Follow-up processes other monitor and ensure that management actions have been effectively implemented.

• 10% - Performance Measurement & Reporting:
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the internal audit activity and report the results of the KPIs to senior leaders, President, and the ARC Committee.

• 10% - Audit Execution, Investigations & Advisory Services:
  • Conduct and/or assist investigations of suspected fraudulent activities.
  • Perform individual audit investigative or advisory engagements.
  • Prepare audit reports and memorandums to summarize and convey audit results.
  • Establish audit plans and objectives to ensure that staff time is used effectively. Coordinate internal auditing activities with external parties.

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement

• Bachelor's Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement

• 8+ years
• In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.

Certifications and/or Licensures

• CPA, CIA, JD

Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of internal auditing standards and practices, including the IIA International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and related ethics requirements.
• Strong understanding of risk management, governance, and internal control frameworks.
• Knowledge of financial reporting processes, operational processes, compliance obligations, and fraud risk management.
• Knowledge of audit planning methodologies, risk assessments, control design evaluation, testing strategies, and issue remediation tracking.
• Understanding of data analytics, continuous auditing/monitoring concepts, and technology risks, including cybersecurity, access management, and IT general controls at a management level.
• Familiarity with regulatory and industry requirements applicable to higher education.
• Knowledge of audit governance and executive reporting expectations, including escalation protocols and governance communication practices.
• Leadership and people management: Leads managers, audit teams, and cross-functional resources; coaches, develops, and evaluates staff performance.
• Ability to make risk-based decisions under uncertainty and adapt plans quickly as conditions change.
• Stakeholder management with executives, business leaders, and legal/compliance partners.
• Executive communication skills.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Issue resolution and negotiation skills.
• Project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading operational audit, compliance audit, or investigative programs preferred.
• Experience implementing audit management systems, analytics platforms, or continuous auditing programs preferred.
• Advanced operational and analytical knowledge of data analytics tools (e.g., SQL, Phython, PowerBI, Tableau, etc.) preferred.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position

$145,000 - $180,000

Pay Range

Minimum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): 143200

Midpoint Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): 190900

Maximum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): 238600

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement?: Yes

Is this position eligible for Signing Bonus?: No

At this time, the University has suspended all new H1B visa sponsorships.