Minimum Qualifications To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a discipline related to program area assigned from an accredited institution
10 years of auditing experience, including five years of supervisory audit experience
License/Certification Requirement: CPA, CIA, or another appropriate audit industry professional certification
License/Certification Required CPA, CIA, or another appropriate audit industry professional certification required.
Preferred Qualifications
Five or more years of experience in governmental auditing/ higher education auditing and/or IT audit experience
Demonstrated knowledge of Banner
Data Analytics expertise utilizing Tableau
Audit Productivity software expertise
Master's Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience with operational, compliance, and information technology audits, as well as investigations and management advisory services
Experience leading and developing an audit team
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Major Responsibilities of the Chief Audit Officer:
Develop and implement a strategy for the internal audit function that supports the strategic objectives and success of the organization and aligns with the expectations of the board, senior management, and other key stakeholders.
Establish and implement an approved risk-based annual Audit Plan, including special tasks or projects requested by management and the ARC Committee.
Report periodically to the ARC Committee and the Chancellor on the internal audit activities and performance relative to the Audit Plan and provide a comparison of the Plan with audits added, completed, and canceled during a given fiscal year.
Keep the Chancellor and ARC Committee informed of emerging trends and issues that could impact the University.
Assists the ARC Committee Chair in running the ARC Committee meetings, proposes draft agendas, and assists with the preparation of other related ARC Committee materials (including scripts, presentations, etc.).
Conduct and/or assist investigations of suspected fraudulent activities.
Provide advisory services to management that add value and promote the best interests of the University.
Ensure all reporting obligations to the UNC System Office and OSBM are met.
Ensure that internal audit resources are appropriate, sufficient, and effectively deployed.
Establish internal audit policies and procedures to guide the internal audit program activities (in compliance with the Audit Manual, IIA Standards, and other laws, rules, and regulations).
Coordinate activities with other internal and external providers of relevant assurance and advisory services to ensure proper coverage and minimize duplication of efforts.
Leading and training staff in IIA areas of ethics and professionalism.
Provide audit engagement oversight to include:
Engagement audit program approval
Policy development and approval relative to audit workpaper documentation
Policy development and control over custody, access, and retention of audit workpapers and reports
Policy development regarding criteria for communicating audit engagement results (to include documented CAO approval of final report)
Follow-up processes to monitor and ensure that management actions have been effectively implemented
Maintain a professional audit staff with sufficient knowledge, skills, experience, competencies, and professional certifications to meet the requirements of the Charter to include:
Administer hiring processes to select qualified and competent staff
Perform annual performance evaluations
Counsel internal auditors on their performance and professional development
Train and provide continuing educational opportunities for each auditor
Ensure that job descriptions are accurate and up-to-date
Establish a quality assurance and improvement program
Periodically assess whether the purpose, authority, and responsibility, as defined in the Charter, continue to be adequate to enable the internal audit program to accomplish its objectives
Develop and maintain productive client, staff, management, and board relationships through individual contacts and group meetings
Represent internal auditing at management and board meetings and with external organizations
Pursue professional development opportunities, including internal and external training and professional association memberships
Benchmark audit work processes and promote continuous process improvement
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the internal audit activity and report the results of the KPIs to senior leaders, the Chancellor, and the ARC committee
Serve as the Audit Liaison Officer, as the University's point of contact regarding external audits with State and Federal agencies, including coordinating any required follow-ups on any recommendations
Work Schedule/Hours:Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Suggested Salary Range: $122,000 - $144,000 Closing Date: Open Until Filled: Yes Evaluation of Applications Begins: 05/18/2026 Proposed Date of Hire: 06/29/2026
Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.