Title: Director of Audit and Compliance (00010)

State Role Title: Gen Admin Manager III

Hiring Range: Up to $140,000

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Virginia Racing Commission

Location: Virginia Racing Commission

Agency Website: www.vrc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC)
The Virginia Racing Commission safeguards the integrity and transparency of the Commonwealth’s horse racing and wagering industries. Through meticulous audits, vigilant regulatory oversight, and the maintenance of robust internal controls, the VRC serves to protect public interests, preserve state revenues, and foster public trust. The Director of Audit and Compliance plays a pivotal role in fulfilling this mandate by leading high-level audit and compliance strategies, aligning division objectives with the Commission’s vision, and ensuring best practices in an evolving wagering landscape.

Compensation and Benefits
• Up to $140,000 (Pay Band 7)
Actual salary negotiable within the posted hiring range.
• Health & Insurance: Full-time employees can participate in the state’s health insurance plan. Basic life insurance is provided at no cost, with the option to purchase additional coverage. Workers’ compensation protection is included at no charge.
• Leave Programs: Employees accrue annual leave based on their years of service; sick leave is governed by either Traditional Sick Leave or the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP), which also offers short-term and long-term disability coverage. Eligible employees can also take advantage of FMLA, military leave, and recognition/compensatory leave.
• Retirement & Savings: Membership in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) combines both a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan, plus options for increased contributions. Additional savings can be set aside in a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Layoff protection and severance benefits may apply in certain situations. Reasonable accommodations are available for employees who need adjustments in the workplace. Service recognition awards and performance-based increases also acknowledge milestone achievements and high-quality service.

Essential Job Duties
• Formulate and implement long-range plans, policies, and procedures that uphold regulatory standards.
• Ensure continuous alignment of division goals with the VRC’s mission and legislative requirements.
• Directly oversee the Lead Auditor and Lead Compliance Officer, providing guidance on complex or high-risk investigations.
• Foster consistent performance standards and support professional development within each team.
• Build strong partnerships across internal divisions (Licensing, Investigations, etc.) and external agencies (e.g., law enforcement, Treasury).
• Serve as the primary liaison for audit findings or compliance breaches involving other state entities.
• Develop and manage budgets for audit and compliance functions, ensuring efficient use of funds and staff resources.
• Oversee procurement of technology or tools critical for thorough auditing and compliance monitoring.
• Present audit findings and compliance assessments to the Commission, legislative bodies, or other key stakeholders.
• Propose action plans or policy updates based on identified gaps or risks.
• Keep pace with emerging industry trends, new wagering technologies, and legislative shifts.
• Update internal protocols, training programs, and policies to maintain proactive and effective audit/compliance standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Managerial Experience in regulatory compliance, auditing, or a closely related field (preferably within wagering or a comparable regulated industry).
• Demonstrated Leadership and policy development background, with an ability to guide diverse teams and align goals with overarching agency objectives.
• Analytical Skills to interpret financial statements, evaluate internal controls, and leverage data for informed decision-making.
• Effective Communication skills for engaging stakeholders – from licensees to law enforcement – and for delivering clear, accurate reports.
• Problem-Solving Aptitude for crafting and adapting audit/compliance initiatives to emerging challenges in the industry.

Additional Considerations

• Professional Certification such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or CRMA (Certification in Risk Management Assurance).
• Strong Project Management capabilities, including time management, prioritization, and multi-project coordination in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Technical Tools: Advanced skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and familiarity with database/reporting software.
• Experience Designing Long-Term Regulatory Systems: Proven track record of advising leadership, implementing large-scale compliance initiatives, and presenting findings to executive bodies.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Hours of Work
• Full-time, 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday).

Number of Positions
• One (1) vacancy is available under this announcement.

Application Process
• Apply through the Commonwealth’s Recruitment Management System (RMS).
• You may be asked to demonstrate your abilities via skills-based exercises or presentations.
• This posting will remain open for at least five (5) consecutive workdays.

Conditions of Employment
• Travel may be required for meetings, events or other job duties.
• Employment may be contingent upon passing background checks (e.g., criminal history, reference verification).
• All staff must adhere to confidentiality standards and follow strict protocols for handling sensitive information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status.

Contact Information

Name: Waqas Ahmed, Executive Secretary/Agency Head

Phone: (804) 966-7404

Email: waqas.ahmed@vrc.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.