Chief Auditor

The School District of Lee County is currently seeking a full-time Chief Auditor to assist members of the School Board and district management with providing assurance services related to effectiveness of risk management and internal controls. This role will enhance the performance and accountability of every functional and program area of the district by promoting economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance within a control-focused environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, auditing or related field from an accredited institution; Master’s degree or higher preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) required with licensing in the State of Florida. Preferred certifications include: Certified Inspector General (CIG), Certified Inspector General Investigator (CIGI), Certified Inspector General Auditor (CIGA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Eight (8) years of audit experience; public sector audit experience preferred
• Supervisory experience required; senior management level experience preferred

Relevant work experience or education may be substituted to satisfy minimum qualifications.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises the performance of the district internal audit department which is designed to assist district staff in the effective and efficient discharge of their responsibilities by furnishing objective analyses, appraisals, recommendations, and pertinent comments concerning the activities reviewed
• Ensure the department conducts its work with the highest degree of professional ethics and in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing of the Institute of Internal Auditors
• Coordinate and acts as the liaison for all audit work performed for the district, whether by the internal audit department, external audit firms or expert consultants in specialty areas
• After consultation with the School Board, Audit Committee, and in accordance with the district internal audit department charter, prepare and submit for Board approval the annual audit plan which includes best practices, continuous improvement, and process controls
• Contract with appropriate professional firms with School Board approval to provide for specialized services needed in accomplishment of tasks under the Board-approved audit plan
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the district’s processes for controlling its activities in managing its risks in the areas set forth in the Board-approved audit plan
• Report to the School Board significant issues related to the processes for controlling the activities of the district, including potential improvements to those processes and provide guidance concerning such issues to resolution
• Evaluate and assess significant merging/consolidating functions in new or changing services, processes, operations, and control processes coincident with their development, implementation, and/or expansion
• Manage the agenda, meetings and work of the Audit Committee in accordance with its charter
• Provide leadership and guidance on internal controls to district management
• Participates in study, design, and development of revision of accounting forms, systems, procedures, controls and methods, to promote more efficient and effective operations within the various departments, and assists administrative staff in their installation and implementation
• Directs and performs the examination and verification of financial records and documents for compliance with established accounting procedures, the examination of reporting and procedures systems, financial and otherwise, to ensure conformance with administrative policy
• Directs the district internal audit staff in assisting administrative and school personnel in the correction of deficiencies disclosed by studies and audits
• Manage the district Fraud, Waste, and Abuse reporting hotline and ensure that the department of legal services or appropriate department receives the information
• Prepares audit reports and submits concurrently to the Audit Committee, School Board, and the superintendent
• Makes oral presentations and provides answers at the Board’s request
• Regularly report findings to the School Board at planned intervals and as directed by the Board
• Regularly provide information to the School Board on the status and resolution of findings
• Review the systems established by the district to ensure compliance with School Board rules, federal and state regulations, and good business practices
• Review the means of safeguarding assets and, as appropriate, verify the accounting of such assets
• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of all areas every five years per Florida Statutes
• Review financial and operating processes in the context of best practices and the means used to identify, measure, classify, and report such information
• Analyzes legislation and other pertinent regulations and recommends changes when necessary to the superintendent and the School Board with appropriate steps.
• Research state and regulatory provisions in support of accountability for district resources
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned