The Director of Internal Audit assists the college in accomplishing its goals by providing objective and relevant assurance regarding risk management, control, and governance processes to college management and the Tennessee Board of Regents.  This position reports administratively to the college President and functionally to the TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents) Audit Committee through the TBR Chief Audit Executive (CAE). 

The Director is responsible for developing the college’s annual audit plan and conducting internal financial, operational, and compliance audits as outlined in the plan, or as directed by the President or the (TBR) Tennessee Board of Regents Audit Committee.  The audits are for the purpose of determining the adequacy of the institution’s systems of internal control for continuous improvement; risk management; fraud awareness; efficiency and effectiveness of financial, administrative and academic management; and verification of compliance with policies, requirements, and laws of the college, Tennessee Board of Regents, State of Tennessee, federal regulations, and accreditation standards.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a business-related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Active CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Audit), or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor).
• Minimum of 5 years of professional auditing experience is required.
• Up to 2 years of auditing experience may be substituted with 2 years of professional experience in accounting or a related business field.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead and direct the College’s internal audit program and report results to the Audit Committee through the TBR Chief Audit Executive (CAE).
• Develop and implement annual risk-based audit plans in coordination with the President, senior leadership, and the CAE.
• Ensure compliance with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Internal Audit Standards and maintain required professional certifications and continuing education.
• Design audit programs, procedures, workpapers, and reports; conduct audits of college operations to assess compliance with Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) policies, state and federal laws, and internal controls.
• Present findings, observations, and recommendations to management and monitor corrective action plans and follow-up activities.
• Conduct special reviews, fraud, waste, and abuse investigations, and report findings through appropriate TBR channels.
• Provide advisory services to leadership on internal controls, risk management, policy interpretation, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with the President and senior leadership on institutional risk, strategic initiatives, and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with external auditors, including the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, as needed.
• Prepare and submit required audit reports, including updates on audit plans, results, corrective actions, and audit status.
• Maintain audit documentation in accordance with records retention requirements and oversee the Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP).
• Manage the internal audit budget and ensure alignment with institutional priorities and the approved audit plan.
• Serve on institutional and system-wide committees and participate in TBR internal audit meetings and initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with campus leadership, TBR staff, and external partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively engage a wide range of audiences through clear, professional, and responsive interactions.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, and the ability to interpret, apply, and evaluate complex information with minimum supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and the ability to create documents, manage data, prepare reports, and support daily operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to review information, interpret data, and make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Proven ability to exercise sound professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and evaluate information accurately and effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with internal and external stakeholders to support institutional goals and initiatives.
• Preferred experience:
• Working in a public higher education environment, with an understanding of college operations, policies, and procedures.
• Using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Ellucian Banner.

WORK ACTIVITIES & EQUIPMENT

Work activities routinely involve the use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and other related devices. Employees are expected to perform tasks such as data entry, document preparation, email communication, and report generation using these tools.

JOB LOCATION

This on-site position is based at the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. The role may include responsibilities at off-site instructional locations as needed, including the McMinn Higher Education Center (MHEC) in Athens, Tennessee, the Monroe Center in Vonore, Tennessee, and/or an industry setting within the College’s five-county service area.

The position may require travel throughout the College’s five-county service area, as well as occasional travel to state meetings, conferences, and other professional development events as needed.

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Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

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Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/H.S.A.
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457
• Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays/Year
• Sick and Annual Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

**Position will remain open until filled.