Lead, Internal Audit

Competition 1692

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package that can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page and an annual salary range which will be commensurate with qualifications.

Location - Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and over 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department

The mission of Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management (IA & ERM) is to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes within the University of Alberta.IA & ERM executes audits, oversees the University’s enterprise risk management framework and conducts investigations into reports of fraud and irregularity. Through these activities, it provides tools and insight to protect and enhance institutional value and improve decision-making in pursuit of institutional goals.To meet its mission, IA & ERM delivers its core audit activities under two main service lines – internal auditing and examining alleged fraud or irregularities. There are also four audit-related activities where IA & ERM plays a role: liaison with external audit groups; continuous auditing; risk management; and institutional compliance. Everyone in the group must contribute to service delivery in all these areas. 

Position 

The Lead, Internal Audit position is a leadership role in the Internal Audit portfolio and reports to The  Executive Director, Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk Management to support the mandate of delivering a world-class Internal Audit Program. The Internal Audit Lead will work closely with senior management and various departments to ensure the organization’s operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with strategic objectives.

The Lead, Internal Audit will be accountable for:

• Leading the internal audit function with a primary focus on operational audits, data strategy, and governance.
• Designing and implementing world-class risk assessment and auditing programs that will provide an adequate level of assurance to management and the Board of Governors that risks are appropriately identified and mitigated.
• Facilitating risk mitigation through a solid understanding of leading-practice strategies and solutions.
• Support for advanced audit/data analytics capabilities and automation systems that will aid in the interpretation and management of a growing storehouse of audit information.
• Development and execution of the annual internal audit plan, management of technical applications utilized by the audit team, and the continuous improvement and updating of the internal audit charter.
• The Lead, Internal Audit will be responsible for leading and managing (3-5) Auditors and may be required in the implementation of alternate delivery methods for audit services including co-sourcing and working cooperatively with other similar institutions and/or external auditors.

Duties 

Annual Internal Audit Plan:

• Develop and implement a risk-based internal audit plan that focuses on key operational areas.
• Monitor industry trends, and best practices to anticipate and respond to emerging issues both within the organization and throughout the wider post-secondary environment.
• Facilitate the creation of IA & ERM’s short and long term goals through the application of the incumbent’s business acumen.
• Set the scope of projects based on the incumbent’s knowledge and understanding of the University and client’s needs, resulting in increased value for stakeholders.

Internal Audit Charter:

• Lead the review and update of the internal audit charter to reflect changes in the organization, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

Operational Audits:

• Lead and manage operational audits across various departments to assess the effectiveness of processes, controls, and risk management practices.
• Provide recommendations to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance in operational areas.
• Oversee operational audit projects of significant scope, risk and complexity that contribute to the achievement of organizational milestones and objectives.
• Coordinate audit activities with U of A compliance teams and external auditors to ensure proper audit coverage, elimination of duplication of effort, and improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of audit activities.
• Take an innovative approach when looking for operational improvements and solutions.
• Ensure the Department’s practices meet the Institute of Internal Audit’s Standards and Code of Ethics, consistently acting as a role model of these practices.
• Identify challenges and opportunities and provide leadership the support to develop innovative and strategic solutions.

Data Strategy and Analytics:

• Support data analytic standards, strategies, and procedures in support of audits and projects.
• Develop and implement data-driven audit strategies that leverage analytics to enhance audit effectiveness.
• Oversee the use of data analytics tools to identify trends, anomalies, and areas of risk.
• Ensure the audit team is equipped with the necessary skills and tools to perform data-driven audits.

Technical Applications Oversight:

• Manage and oversee the technical applications and systems used by the internal audit department, including audit management software and data analytics tools.
• Ensure the continuous improvement and optimization of these applications to meet the evolving needs of the audit function.
• Provide training and support to audit team members on the use of these tools.

Reporting and Communication:

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure transparency and understanding of audit processes and outcomes.

Stakeholder Management and Governance:

• Ensure approach and process changes to the Internal Audit function are compliant with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
• Ensure the successful completion of a Quality Assessment Review (QAR) in accordance with the IIA standards. This process requires that the implementation and execution of the data analytics practice be in compliance with standards at all times. This review of Internal Audit is performed by a third party on a five-year cycle.
• Make informed project-related decisions that significantly impact the direction and outcome of all audit projects. This includes engaging in discussions that consider project purpose, stakeholder interests, and the political landscape to drive successful audit initiatives.

Leadership and Employee Engagement:

• Manage the demand and capacity of the team, review and approve the work of Auditors and/or data analysts and provide guidance and feedback to multiple individuals within the department on analytics best practices
• Provide leadership and guidance to the internal audit team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in internal audit, with experience in large decentralized environments such as post-secondary or public sector.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Strong understanding of internal audit standards, risk management frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong technical competence including proficiency in audit management software and data analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze risks, or control weaknesses, and evaluate their impact on business operations.
• Strong project and time management skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Must have professional experience managing resources, effective team interactions, providing timely and constructive feedback, negotiating issues and resolving problems.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in use of Data Analytics tools and ls able to design queries and manipulate data easily.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.