Chief Audit Executive

Position Title: Chief Audit Executive

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer and United Community Banks, Inc. Board of Directors Audit Committee 

Direct Reports: Assistant Chief Auditor

Salary Grade: 

Summary: 
Performs as Chief Audit Executive (CAE) for all functions of the company.  Develops, oversees and manages the audit plan for the internal audit department.   Directs execution of the risk based audit plan and supervises the audit staff and outsourced/ co-sourced contracted resources in the performance of audit engagements and special projects in compliance with department standards and objectives.  Ensures maintenance of up to date risk analyses, and develops and maintains effective communications with senior bank managers regarding risk management, compliance and internal controls.  Responsible for assuring effective well-written communications of audit findings and recommendations.  Responsible for maintenance and development of trained and professional staff to assure the effective accomplishment of the department’s goals and objectives.  Manages department resources in accomplishment of department goals, and corporate initiatives as required.

Coordinates and acts as liaison with regulatory authorities executing the annual supervisory plan for UCB and UCBI.

Directly reports to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of United Community Banks, Inc.  Administratively reports to the Executive Vice President – CRO.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

PERFORMANCE PLAN – CORE PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS (CPEs)
Senior Vice President- Chief Audit Executive (CAE)

ACCOUNTABILITY #1 – GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF DEPARTMENT AND PLAN.    

ELEMENT WEIGHT:  45%

1. Oversees and manages the development and scheduling of the annual audit plan for the internal audit department, ensuring all areas of the company are audited on an appropriate frequency and with the appropriate scope in accordance with the audit division's Risk Assessment program.
2. Coordinates effective completion of projects through scheduling, resource allocation, planning, and monitoring of work in progress.
3. Approves audit project plans and audit programs.  Approves deviations from plans and budgets while maintaining responsibility for alternative courses of action; ensures accuracy and completeness of project related data on the department tracking system.
4. Evaluates needed audit coverage and assesses the manpower and staffing requirements for the effective execution of the audit plan.
5. Coordinates bank internal audit activities with the activities of the external auditors and any outside regulatory examiners.
6. Directs the activities of various audit staff members who schedule and oversee audits of assigned departments/branches/subsidiaries, etc.
7. Other duties as assigned.

EXPECTATION:  

The annual audit plan will be effectively developed, managed, and maintained to provide superior audit coverage to the company and the bank.  Risk based audit techniques will be employed and audit automation alternatives will be researched, developed, and implemented.  The General Management accountability will be accomplished in an effective, professional, relevant, and timely manner.

ACCOUNTABILITY #2 – PARTICIPATION IN SENIOR LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION ACTIVITIES

ELEMENT WEIGHT:  30%

1. Develops and maintains effective lines of communication with senior and executive level management personnel across all business lines, to ensure awareness of and action on risk issues identified within the company.
2. Participates as requested in project teams and task forces established to implement new technology, establish new work flow, enhance risk management, or improve profitability. 
3. Serves as expert resource on issues of risk management and internal control for all projects on which he is assigned.
4. Effective communication of regulatory issues and the results of the internal audit activities to Senior Management and the Audit Committees of the banks and Corporation through oral and written reports.
5. Serves as a standing resource available for discussion and resolution of operational, internal control, and risk mitigation issues confronting the corporation.
6. Serves as a ready resource to all functional areas of the Corporation regarding administrative and accounting internal control procedures existing or proposed.
7. Reviews and evaluates the corrective actions required and taken by responsible management in response to deficiencies described in audit reports.  Where this action is considered inadequate, continues reviews with appropriate levels of management until the matters are resolved.

EXPECTATION: 

This accountability will be accomplished in a timely, independent, professional, and effective manner.

ACCOUNTABILITY #3 – QUALITY AND TIMELINESS OF AUDIT PRODUCT

ELEMENT WEIGHT:  20%

1. Establishment of criteria for and monitoring of quality assurance standards for all audits performed by the internal audit department and any outsourced or co-sourced audit resources employed, including compliance with professional standards for planning, fieldwork execution, supporting workpapers, and reporting.  
2. Implements procedures to assure compliance with policies regarding the technical and administrative functions of the internal audit units within his span of control.
3. Ensures audit procedures and methodologies are developed and updated to keep pace with changes in the corporate environment, modern technologies, new products, and new developments in the internal audit profession.

EXPECTATION: 

This accountability will be accomplished in a timely, independent, professional, and effective manner.

ACCOUNTABILITY #5 – ORGANIZATIONAL AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

ELEMENT WEIGHT:  5%

a source of potential management personnel.

1. Exercises the usual authority of a department head concerning staffing, performance appraisal, promotions, salary recommendations, and terminations.
2. Establishes goals and objectives for the internal audit department, promotes high professional standards, and evaluates and maintains an efficient and effective staff.
3. Participates in the review, revision, and development of Corporate Audit Policies and Procedures, and communication of the same to all audit department personnel for timely implementation.
4. Ensures adequate training and development opportunities are provided all staff personnel, through in-house and external sources.  Encourages self-development of staff to prepare them for advancement opportunities within the department and the bank.

EXPECTATION: 

This accountability will be accomplished in a timely, independent, professional, and effective manner.