The Chief Audit Executive serves as the senior-most executive responsible for leading the university’s 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 function’s 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 institution’s 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:

• Bachelor’s 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:

• Master’s 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 risks—financial, 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. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV” 

2. Cover letter to 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 Utah’s 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 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 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 Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

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 conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

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 USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025