Chief of Internal Audit

San Antonio Water System; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

San Antonio Water System is seeking a Chief of Internal Audit to lead a comprehensive program that strengthens financial, operational, and compliance controls. The role reports to the Board through the Audit Committee and administratively to the President/CEO, guiding risk‑based audits and advisory services to improve SAWS operations.

The position requires a CPA or CIA with extensive audit leadership experience and the ability to manage a team of up to six professionals in a public utility

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Economics or related field.
• Ten (10) years’ progressively responsible audit experience with five (5) years supervising personnel.
• CPA or CIA certification required or able to obtain
• Valid Texas driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes a flexible annual internal audit plan using risk-based methodology.
• Oversees internal financial, operational and information system audits according to standards.
• Reports results to the Board of Trustees through the Audit Committee.
• Supervises up to 6 staff and coordinates with management and external auditors.

Skills

Risk-based auditing

Leadership

Internal audit standards

Board reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

This position is open until filled, but resume review will begin as soon as possible with scheduled interviews to follow.

The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is seeking to fill the Chief of Internal Audit position. Competitive salary depends on qualifications, from $220,000 to $250,000 with generous benefits package including pension, paid leave, and health benefits.

SAWS is a public utility owned by the City of San Antonio and serves more than 2 million people in Bexar County, as well as parts of Medina and Atascosa counties. It was created in May 1992 through the consolidation of the City Water Board, the City Wastewater Department and the Alamo Water Conservation and Reuse District (developed system for reuse of treated wastewater). In 2012, SAWS also assumed the former Bexar Metropolitan Water District and currently serves more than 585,000 water customers and 525,000 wastewater customers. SAWS is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees consisting of the Mayor of the City of San Antonio and six other Trustees appointed by the City Council of the City of San Antonio. SAWS has more than 2,000 employees, approximately $10.7 billion in total assets, and anticipates spending around $3.2 billion over the next five years on capital improvement projects. Since the formation of SAWS, San Antonio has been recognized nationally for its novel conservation efforts and proactive water management planning.

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief of Internal Audit is responsible for leading, developing and implementing a comprehensive internal audit program to support the accomplishment of organizational strategic objectives and evaluate the effectiveness of established financial, operational, and compliance practices, and the related controls. Provides independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, advice, insight and foresight designed to add value and improve SAWS operations. Reports functionally to the Board of Trustees through the Audit Committee in the performance of essential functions, and reports administratively to the President/CEO.

The Functional Reporting duties are listed below:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develop Internal Audit Plan

• Develops and executes a flexible annual internal audit plan using appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risks or control concerns identified by SAWS Trustees, SAWS Management or external auditors.

Conduct Internal Audits, Consulting and Advisory Services

• Implements the approved annual internal audit plan, including, as appropriate, any special projects requested by the Audit Committee and Management.
• Oversees the execution of internal financial, operational and information system audits in accordance with the requirements of the SAWS Internal Audit Charter and existing internal audit professional standards.
• Continuously improves the quality of internal audit to ensure internal audit efforts add value to the organization and that the maturity of the internal audit function is at an advanced stage/level.
• Ensures the internal audit function remains free from all conditions that threaten the independence of the function and the ability of internal auditors to carry out their responsibilities in an unbiased objective manner.

Report Results to the Board of Trustees through the Audit Committee

• Reports the results of internal audits and/or projects promptly to the appropriate individuals in management and the Audit Committee summarizing the results of audit activity.
• Reports on SAWS network of control mechanisms and whether they are adequate, effective, functioning and/or coordinated.
• Reports periodically on the status and results of the annual audit plan.
• Reports the results of an internal audit quality assurance and improvement program that includes both internal and external assessments.
• Reports on significant new or changing services, processes, operations, and control processes coincident with their development, implementation, and /or expansion.
• Reports on emerging trends and successful practices in internal auditing.
• Reports on regulatory pronouncements and issues affecting internal audit.

Budgeting Process

• Forecasts, allocates and monitors the human, physical and financial resources for internal audit.
• Reviews the annual budget with the Audit Committee and communicates the impact of insufficient resources, if any.

Administrative Reporting

• Administrative reporting is all reporting other than the Functional Reporting described above, including, but not limited to, budget management, procurement coordination, organizational policy development, and staffing and personnel administration.

DECISION MAKING

• The Chief of Internal Audit reports functionally to the Board of Trustees through the Audit Committee and administratively to the President/Chief Executive Officer.
• This position directly and fully supervises up to 6 employees.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Economics or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Ten (10) years’ increasingly responsible professional experience developing, controlling and administering financial and operational audits including five (5) years’ experience supervising personnel.
• Able to obtain the appropriate continuing professional development necessary to maintain and enhance auditing knowledge, skills and other competencies and to stay abreast of professional standards.
• Licensed as a Certified Public Accountant or certified as a Certified Internal Auditor.
• Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Economics or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards.
• Knowledge of the mandatory elements of The Institute of Internal Auditors’ International Professional Practices Framework.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, statutes and regulations as they pertain to internal audit