Director of Internal Audit

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Director of Internal Audit to oversee and execute comprehensive audit activities. This role involves developing a risk-based audit plan, managing audit engagements, and ensuring compliance across various operational areas.

The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of internal auditing standards and strong analytical skills. A Bachelor's degree and relevant certifications are required, with significant experience in leadership roles in internal audit.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of internal auditing standards and risk assessment practices.
• Ability to plan and execute complex audits and develop risk-based recommendations.
• Experience with technology-related audits is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a risk-based internal audit plan.
• Present audit results and recommendations to management.
• Supervise audit staff and ensure effective working relationships.

Skills

Knowledge of internal auditing standards

Strong understanding of governance and compliance

Analytical skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Ability to build effective working relationships

Experience evaluating technology-related controls

Project management

People leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field

At least one certification (CPA, CIA, CISA)

Job description

Posting Details

• Position Title: Director of Internal Audit
• Position Type: Regular
• Job Number: SA84224
• Full or Part Time: full-time 40 hours weekly
• Fair Labor Standard Act Classification: Exempt
• Anticipated Pay Range: $155,000 - $195,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, the Director of Internal Audit is responsible for leading and executing the University’s internal audit activities. This position leads the development and execution of a risk-based internal audit plan, leads audits and advisory reviews across operational, compliance, financial, and technology risk areas, and communicates observations and recommendations to management and senior leadership. The role helps promote effective internal controls, accountability, and continuous improvement across the University. The position is expected to maintain independence, objectivity, and confidentiality consistent with professional internal auditing standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual risk assessment process and develop a risk-based internal audit plan by identifying emerging risks, gathering input from management and key stakeholders, and recommending audit priorities.
• Lead and perform internal audit and advisory engagements from planning through reporting, including defining objectives and scope, conducting interviews and walkthroughs, evaluating risks and controls, performing testing, and documenting results.
• Assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls across operational, financial, compliance, and technology-related processes, and identify opportunities to strengthen control environments and improve efficiency.
• Prepare clear, concise, and well-supported audit reports that describe issues, root causes, risk implications, and practical recommendations for corrective action.
• Present audit results and recommendations to management and senior leadership, build alignment on action plans, and escalates significant issues as appropriate.
• Provide periodic updates to the Audit Committee, including presenting the annual audit plan for approval and reporting year‑end audit results.
• Monitor the status of management corrective action plans and perform follow‑up procedures, as needed, to validate implementation of agreed‑upon actions.
• Contribute to coverage of technology risk areas, including topics such as user access, systems and applications, data protection, third‑party risk, and IT general controls, in coordination with audit resources and subject‑matter expertise as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships across the University and serve as a trusted advisor by providing objective, risk-based insight on controls, governance, and operational improvement opportunities.
• Supervise audit staff and student employees, review workpapers and reports, support resource planning, and help shape the overall direction and maturity of the internal audit function.
• Support the development and use of automated and other technological tools.
• Perform other specialized duties related to the Office of Institutional Compliance and Internal Audit.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of internal auditing standards, risk assessment practices, internal control frameworks, and audit methodology.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, financial, operational, and technology risk concepts, with the ability to apply sound professional judgment in varied environments.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex audits, analyze issues, synthesize information, and develop practical, risk-based recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-ready reports and present results to management and senior leadership.
• Ability to build effective working relationships, influence constructively, and navigate sensitive matters with diplomacy, objectivity, and confidentiality.
• Experience evaluating technology-related controls and risks, such as user access, system configuration, data protection, vendor risk, or IT general controls, is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and lead projects to completion within established timelines.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, reviewing work, delegating assignments, and supporting staff development, is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, public administration, information systems, or a related field required.
• Director level: typically requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• At least one certification required (CPA, CIA, CISA); higher education experience is also preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Our campus-centered work environment fosters meaningful collaboration and connection, offering employees the opportunity to engage directly with students, faculty, and staff each day.