Internal Audit Director

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 370,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity. Five core principles are embedded within these commitments - high quality, rigorous instruction, talented and empowered educators, safety and support, financial stability and collective impact.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Chief Internal Auditor, the Internal Audit Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight of CPS' audit programs in compliance with applicable audit standards, regulations, governmental requirements and policies consistent with the organizations strategic and operational objectives, mission and vision. The Internal Audit Director must demonstrate: a disciplined approach to decision making that is data driven; agility to shifting demands and expectations of the organizations obligations; knowledge, skills, and experience necessary in the performance of internal audit services.

The Internal Audit Director will assist the Chief Internal Auditor and be held accountable for the following key responsibilities:

• Establishes direction and provides oversight of the internal audit department to ensure stakeholder alignment and organizational goals and objectives are achieved.
• Supervises, counsels and evaluates individuals on a variety of work-related issues toward the continual improvement and overall management of performance within the department.
• Monitors and evaluates operations, programs, processes and practices for quality and effectiveness.
• Conducts risk based audits, both scheduled and unscheduled, with a concentration on policies, procedures, and practices that relate to the control, safeguarding, and accountability for funds and assets.
• Responsible for the selection, training, development and supervision of audit staff.
• Prepares and distributes reports on the results of reviews and audits including recommendations for modification of management practices, fiscal policies, and accounting procedures as justified by audit findings.
• Reviews and appraises the soundness, adequacy and application of accounting, financial and operational controls.
• Oversees the preparation of an annual audit risk assessment.
• Ensures that internal audit methodology is consistently applied and documented.
• Coordinates with the appropriate departments on acquisition due diligence and integration reviews.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

TYPE OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business, finance, economics, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of related audit experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years progressive management experience.
• Active certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or other internal audit related certifications, preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to effectively communicate accounting information, policies, and/or procedures.
• Thorough understanding of U.S. GAAP, PCAOB and IIA Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
• Strong background in identifying risks, controls and opportunities for improvements associated with business processes, developing and executing audit test plans, and drafting audit reports with summary results for executives.
• Strong communication skills required to present complex issues and alternatives to Management.
• Experience leading internal audit teams within a large complex organization, preferably public company experience, covering relevant financial, operational, compliance and technology risks.
• Working knowledge and experience with auditing tools and other software such as IDEA, Audit Control Language, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint and Visio.
• Experience working with large ERP systems (e.g. Oracle, PeopleSoft) is helpful.
• Commitment to high ethical and professional standards.
• High degree of personal integrity and sound judgment.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

• As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of his or her CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Chicago Public Schools is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment based non-immigrant and immigrant visas.
• Chicago Public Schools is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals, including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.