Howard University · 1 month ago
Chief Audit Officer
DC-Baltimore Area
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$240K/yr - $260K/yr
10+ years expHoward University is seeking a Chief Audit Officer (CAO) who serves as the institution's senior audit executive, leading the internal audit function across all university operations. The CAO plays a critical role in protecting institutional assets and enhancing operational effectiveness through systematic evaluation and improvement of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.
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Responsibilities
Develop and annually update a comprehensive, risk-based internal audit plan aligned with the university's strategic priorities, emerging risks, and compliance requirements
Present the annual audit plan to the Audit Committee for review and approval, adapting priorities dynamically in response to changing institutional needs
Direct and oversee all internal audit engagements, including financial, operational, compliance, information technology, and investigative audits
Ensure audit work is performed in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA Standards)
Implement and maintain a quality assurance and improvement program, including periodic external assessments
Coordinate audit activities with external auditors and regulatory agencies to maximize coverage and minimize redundancy
Prepare and present comprehensive audit reports to the President, senior leadership, and Audit Committee, including findings, risk ratings, and actionable recommendations
Communicate significant risk exposures, control deficiencies, and governance concerns to the Audit Committee in a timely and transparent manner
Provide quarterly status reports on audit plan progress, emerging risks, follow-up on prior recommendations, and resource utilization
Meet privately with the Audit Committee without management present to discuss sensitive matters
Review audit workpapers, findings, and reports to ensure quality, accuracy, and appropriate support for conclusions
Conduct ongoing enterprise risk assessments in collaboration with senior leadership to identify and prioritize audit areas
Monitor the institutional risk environment, including emerging risks related to technology, cybersecurity, research integrity, Title IX, athletics, sponsored programs, and student services
Provide advisory services and consultation on new systems, processes, policies, and strategic initiatives from a risk and control perspective
Track regulatory and legal developments affecting higher education, including federal and state requirements, accreditation standards, and grant compliance
Facilitate training and awareness programs on internal controls, fraud prevention, ethics, and risk management
Lead or oversee investigations into allegations of fraud, financial irregularities, policy violations, or misconduct with appropriate confidentiality and due process
Coordinate with Human Resources, General Counsel, and law enforcement as appropriate during investigations
Conduct special projects and ad hoc reviews at the request of the Audit Committee, President, or senior leadership
Maintain organizational independence and individual objectivity in all audit activities, free from interference in determining scope, performing work, and communicating results
Uphold the IIA Code of Ethics and maintain professional skepticism in all engagements
Ensure the internal audit function has unrestricted access to records, personnel, and physical properties relevant to audit activities
Avoid conflicts of interest and recuse from audits where independence may be compromised
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate internal audit staff, fostering professional development and maintaining a high-performing team
Promote continuing professional education and certification for audit staff
Manage the internal audit budget and allocate resources effectively to achieve audit plan objectives
Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors for financial statement audits, federal compliance audits (Single Audit), and NCAA agreed-upon procedures
Manage relationships with external firms engaged for specialized audits or consulting services
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field
At least one of the following professional certifications: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Minimum of 10 years of progressive internal audit experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role
Proven track record of developing and executing risk-based audit plans and managing audit engagements from planning through reporting
Experience presenting audit findings and recommendations to audit committees or boards of directors
Comprehensive understanding of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the COSO Internal Control Framework
Strong knowledge of governance, enterprise risk management, and compliance frameworks (e.g., COSO ERM, ISO 31000)
Familiarity with higher education regulations including Title IV financial aid, OMB Uniform Guidance, research compliance, NCAA rules, and FERPA
Proficiency in data analytics tools and audit management software
Understanding of information technology controls, cybersecurity risks, and IT audit methodologies
Knowledge of fraud detection and prevention techniques
Ability to lead and inspire a professional team, influence organizational change, and navigate complex institutional environments
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences
Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills with attention to detail
Diplomatic and collaborative approach, with ability to build trust and credibility across all organizational levels
Unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, objectivity, and professional standards
Sound decision-making ability and professional skepticism, balanced with pragmatism and business acumen
Flexibility to manage changing priorities, emerging risks, and resource constraints in a dynamic environment
Preferred
Master's degree in accounting, business administration (MBA), public administration (MPA), or related discipline
Multiple relevant certifications demonstrating breadth of expertise
Demonstrated experience in higher education, public sector, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizational environments strongly preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
Company
Howard University
Howard University is a federally chartered, private, coeducational, and nonsectarian university.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Howard University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (22)
2024 (34)
2023 (31)
2022 (29)
2021 (14)
2020 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$29.9MKey Investors
Gilead SciencesAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsNational Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
2024-02-27Grant
2023-12-01Grant· $0.02M
2023-01-10Grant· $0.15M
Leadership Team
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Sterling Brown Endowed Chair, Department of English
Recent News
2026-01-16
Government Technology US
2026-01-16
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