Comparable: Accountant II

Department: Finance and Accounting

Direct Supervisor: Chief Financial Officer

Summary:

The Compliance and Internal Controls Auditor is responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing a comprehensive audit program to ensure the organization's adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. This role involves planning and performing internal audits, coordinating external audits, assessing the effectiveness of internal controls, and providing strategic guidance to improve operational efficiency and mitigate risk.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Audit Planning and Execution

• Conduct a broad range of operational, financial, and IT system audits in accordance with professional standards.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management procedures to identify control gaps, inefficiencies, and fraud risks.
• Develop an annual risk assessment to establish the ASI Audit Plan annually.
• Develop and maintain internal audit policies, procedures, objectives, and methodologies.
• Coordinate and prepare for all external audits, including the annual financial audit, those conducted by external agencies, and internal reviews conducted by CSUF and the Chancellor’s Office.
• Review audit findings, prepare management's response, and work with departments to implement necessary corrective actions.
• Provide internal audit services to departments, including reviewing prior audit findings and assisting with investigations as appropriate.

Compliance Analysis and Monitoring

• Monitor the regulatory landscape and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations (e.g., GAAP, CSU Chancellor's Office policies, HR regulations), and professional standards.
• Conduct compliance checks and risk assessments, including audits of grants, contracts, and subcontracts.
• Review internal policies and procedures to ensure their effectiveness in mitigating compliance risks.
• Assist in the analysis of proposed legislation and regulations that may impact the organization.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare comprehensive audit and compliance reports that detail findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
• Review audit results with departments and management and explain the basis for any exceptions or findings.
• Present the results of audit work and recommendations to management and the Audit Committee.
• Follow up on audit and compliance findings to ensure that all necessary corrective actions are taken and that they are effective. This includes reporting to senior management on the status of open recommendations.

Collaboration and Advisory

• Serve as a primary liaison with CSUF Auditor, external auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Work collaboratively with various departments, including Finance, HR, and IT, to ensure a comprehensive approach to risk management.
• Provide guidance and consultation to administrators and staff on operational, administrative, and compliance-related issues.
• Maintain a high degree of independence and objectivity in all work and report findings directly to the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director and the Audit Committee as needed.

Supervisory Duties:

Directly Supervises:

• none 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Auditing Principles: Deep knowledge of internal and external auditing standards, including the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Risk Management: Thorough understanding of governance, risk management, and internal controls concepts. Knowledge of various risk assessment methodologies to prioritize audit activities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Comprehensive knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations specific to the organization's industry (e.g., GAAP, HIPAA, SOX, or GDPR). Knowledge of CSU Chancellor's Office policies is also essential.
• Financial & Accounting: A strong grasp of financial and operational auditing procedures, including financial statement analysis and an understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• IT & Systems: Familiarity with information systems auditing, including evaluating general and application controls and testing them using specialized audit software. Knowledge of IT governance frameworks like COBIT is a plus.
• Policy & Procedure: Knowledge of developing and maintaining comprehensive policy and procedure manuals for the internal audit function.

• Analytical and Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze complex data, identify control gaps and risks, and develop effective, logical solutions.
• Audit Planning & Execution: Skill in planning, organizing, and executing comprehensive audit engagements from start to finish, including initial risk assessment, fieldwork, and reporting.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear, concise audit reports and present complex findings to a variety of audiences, including senior management and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse departments (Finance, HR, IT, etc.) while maintaining objectivity and independence.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with audit software and data analysis tools.
• Project Management: Skill in managing multiple audit projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and ensuring quality assurance.

• Independence: The ability to maintain a high degree of objectivity and integrity in all work.
• Adaptability: The ability to stay informed about changes in the regulatory landscape and adapt audit strategies accordingly.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Advisory: The ability to provide effective consultation and advice to management and staff on a range of operational and administrative issues related to controls and compliance.

Core Competencies:

• Internal Auditing Expertise
• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Management
• Data Analysis
• IT Systems Knowledge
• Communication
• Integrity & Objectivity
• Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail

Additional Requirements:

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in an indoor office setting with extended computer use. 
• Interaction with a wide range of stakeholders. 
• Participation in off-campus or after-hours events, meetings, or retreats may be required.

Typical Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Sitting and standing for extended periods: The role involves significant computer work and meetings, requiring sustained sitting or standing.
• Walking and climbing stairs: Moving around the campus, attending events, and potentially using stairs regularly.
• Lifting and carrying moderate weight: This could include lifting and carrying materials for presentations, events, or production activities no more than 30lbs.
• Dexterity and fine motor skills: Operating computer equipment, handling small objects, and performing tasks requiring hand-eye coordination.
• Visual and auditory acuity: Effective communication and interaction in various settings require good vision and hearing.

• We are committed to working with qualified individuals with disabilities to identify and implement reasonable accommodation that would allow them to perform the essential functions of the job. If you have a disability and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of this job, please notify the hiring manager during the application process or upon accepting an offer of employment.

Special Requirements

• Employment will be contingent on a satisfactory employment history and criminal background investigation.
• May be required to drive occasionally as needed. Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance must be on file at all times and must meet CSURMA driving standards.

• Required to be a Mandatory Reporter and sign ASI Mandatory Reporter Form.

The Associated Students Inc., CSUF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Benefits:
Comprehensive Benefits Package
ASI is committed to providing a robust and comprehensive benefits package to support your best life, covering health, time off, financial security, and personal development.

• Time Off: Includes 14 paid holidays, up to 8 vacation days annually, and up to 12 sick leave days per year.
• Premium Health Coverage: Access to low- or no-cost medical insurance plans through CalPERS, along with Delta Dental and VSP Vision coverage.
• Financial & Life Security: Includes Life/AD&D/Long-Term Disability insurance and eligibility for a Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (HCDRA).
• Retirement Planning: Enrollment in the CalPERS retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a supplemental 403(b) plan.
• Professional Development: Eligibility for Educational/Tuition Reimbursement after one year of employment.
• Wellness Perk: Free membership to the Student Recreation Center (including the gym, pool, and fitness classes) for all full-time ASI employees.
• Confidential Support: Access to the REACH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support services.