About the Department:

Reporting functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board of Visitors and administratively to the university’s president, the Office of University Audit provides independent, objective, risk-based assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the university’s operations. It utilizes a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of university governance, risk management, and control processes related to:

• Achievement of the university’s strategic objectives;
• Reliability and integrity of significant financial and operational information;
• Effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of operations and programs;
• Safeguarding of assets; and
• Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and contracts.

About the Position:

Under the overall supervision of the Associate University Auditor, this position provides strategic insight and operational execution to the ongoing delivery of a high quality, coordinated, risk-based internal audit program which provides university executives and Board members with assurance related to university governance, risk management, and control processes primarily related to Mason’s research enterprise. In collaboration with other internal auditors, co-sourced auditors, or independently, this position leads, performs, supports, and delivers risk-based internal audit and other related assurance projects, primarily related to Mason’s research enterprise, and, secondarily, related to other risk areas. This position, at times, will manage the performance of co-sourced auditors.

Responsibilities:

• Provide university executives and Board members with assurance through the design and performance of a program of high quality, coordinated, risk-based internal audits, other related assurance projects, and issue validation procedures which evaluate university governance, risk management, and control processes, primarily related to Mason’s research enterprise. Among other things, this includes managing relationships with university and research-related executives, faculty, and staff; planning work, coordinating with university personnel, team members, and co-sourced resources, evaluating risks and controls, testing control effectiveness, documenting work, and communicating audit results through verbal communications and written audit reports;
• Monitor university business processes and activities, primarily related to Mason’s research enterprise, to (i) evaluate risks in support of maintaining a current university-wide audit universe and audit risk assessment, and (ii) identify potential risk responses and audit activities; and
• Identify potential university and audit department improvements; work projects to realize benefits.

Required Qualifications:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to an advanced degree in accounting, finance, business administration, information technology, data management and analytics, or a related field;
• Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Information Systems Auditor, or ability to obtain such certification;
• Ongoing continuing professional education so as to demonstrate professional currentness;
• Substantial progressive experience in the field;
• Demonstrated ability to audit business processes, programs, and operations which often span organizational departments;
• Knowledge of relevant auditing and risk management standards and principles, such as the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology);
• In-depth knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), 45 CFR Part 46 Protection of Human Subjects, and other research-related laws, rules, and regulations; and experience with assessing their application in practice;
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability to audit large-scale IT business environments, user-developed applications and environments, information security, and related control frameworks;
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of communication, relationship-building, collaboration, and problem-solving. Strong ability to communicate and collaborate with operational management and auditors, including IT auditors. Demonstrated ability to lead small teams staffed with auditors and/or temporary, third-party resources;
• Highest levels of integrity; demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and professionalism with a results-oriented work style;
• Demonstrated analytical skills with the ability to identify and assess risk and exposures across a wide variety of processes;
• Demonstrated continuous improvement mindset with a strong customer-centric mindset; and
• Familiarity with Ellucian Banner systems.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Senior Auditor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and provide a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Posting Open Date: October 20, 2023

For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 30, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes