Chief Audit Executive - Agency Division Director Senior

About the role

This position serves as the MDH executive leader for internal audit and compliance, responsible for planning, directing, and implementing an internal audit program that provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services on complex, high-impact issues across the agency. The Chief Audit Executive (CAE) ensures the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes in accordance with all legal requirements, and in accordance with the IIA Standards, and provides strategic counsel to the Commissioner, executive leadership, and management and staff across the agency. The CAE holds unrestricted access to all records, systems, facilities, and personnel necessary to execute the duties of the internal audit function.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert advice and consultation, facilitate strategic discussions, and lead the development and implementation of the annual audit and risk assessment work plans informed by risk insights, and organizational priorities.
• Directing and overseeing the Internal Audit and Assessments Office by providing agency-wide leadership for the planning, prioritization, execution, and evaluation of complex and sensitive audits and reviews. Establish audit priorities, set methodological expectations, and ensure work is performed objectively, independently, and in accordance with professional standards. Provide strategic guidance to program leadership on risk, internal controls, and operational effectiveness, and recommend cost-effective improvements that strengthen internal controls and reduce the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Represent the office to executive leadership and external oversight entities, safeguarding the agency’s accountability and the proper stewardship of public funds.
• Providing expert consultation and leadership on internal control matters to support effective governance, risk management, and compliance across the Department. Provide direction for internal control awareness activities; guide the development, implementation, and documentation of internal control components and principles; and support program areas in strengthening internal controls that safeguard public funds and assets and reduce the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Provide leadership and oversight for the department’s audit remediation process to ensure timely, consistent, and effective resolution of internal and external audit findings. Participate in the departmentwide policy and procedure review process to promote consistency, compliance, and strong internal control practices. Sponsor and support projects that enhance internal controls, improve operational effectiveness, and strengthen the security of MDH’s financial transactions, assets, and protected data.
• Providing strategic leadership and direction for Internal Audit & Assessments staff to ensure a collaborative team capable of delivering professional audit, internal control, advisory, and governance services. Build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented work environment; develop staff capabilities in internal audit, internal controls, risk management, and advisory practices; and ensure alignment with agency values, statewide expectations, and professional standards.
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in managing audits and demonstrates the following:
  • Broad and extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including the pronouncements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
  • Broad and extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and Governmental Auditing Standards.
  • Advanced project management experience to plan, organize, and oversee multiple audits, reviews, and advisory engagements simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with audit tools, data systems, and documentation platforms to support efficient, consistent, and high-quality work.
• Demonstrated leadership experience may include any of the following:
  • Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, OR project lead*
  • Completion of a State leadership development program, such as Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI)
  • Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization
  • A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG)
  This experience must also include:
  • 1+ years of identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions
  • 100+ hours per-year time commitment
  A project lead provides leadership, guidance, and advanced specialized technical expertise for a team doing evaluation, development, design, testing, and/or implementation in a project environment. Projects are efforts with defined phases where a combination of organizational resources including a pre-determined budget are pulled together toward a specified objective. These efforts are usually discontinued once the project is completed.