Chief Audit Executive

About the Role

This position is part of the Executive Leadership team and is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, independent assessment on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes for Colorado PERA. The role involves conducting audits and advisory services in accordance with the Internal Audit Charter, approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees. This includes reporting risks or potential losses, and notifying management and the Audit Committee of irregularities, fraud, or other acts detected through audit procedures. The position reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and works under the administrative supervision of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Responsibilities

• Identifies business risks to the organization and works with staff to develop processes that minimize risks while encouraging efficiency and effectiveness.
• Performs assessment and advisory services for PERA divisions regarding business risks, control objectives, and techniques.
• Develops an annual risk-based audit plan and presents it to the Audit Committee for approval.
• Provides leadership and direction to Internal Audit Division staff, including hiring, developing, and managing a high-performance team.
• Establishes and maintains a customer service-focused work policy through clear, timely communication of expectations.
• Selects, trains, and develops professional audit staff to ensure the division meets the requirements of the Internal Audit Charter.
• Ensures staff have the resources, tools, and training needed to perform their jobs effectively.
• Ensures adherence to PERA’s policies and procedures unless they conflict with the Internal Audit Charter or Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Ensures internal audit staff remain independent, objective, and free from conflicts of interest.
• Plans audit schedules, staff assignments, and develops audit scope, workpaper, and report formats.
• Develops and provides summaries of Internal Audit activity to the Audit Committee and organizes regular meetings of the Audit Committee.
• Performs audit engagements with well-documented testing plans assessing adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and industry best practices.
• Tracks the implementation status of engagement findings and corrective actions, reporting any unresolved issues to the Executive Team and Audit Committee.
• Coordinates with the Office of the State Auditor and external audit firm for the annual external audit.
• Coordinates the Board of Trustees election process.
• Develops and presents the annual Internal Audit budget to the Audit Committee for approval and ensures the division operates within the budget.
• Updates the Internal Audit Charter and presents it to the Audit Committee for approval at least once every five years.
• Monitors trends and emerging issues impacting PERA and stays abreast of changes in professional auditing standards.
• Manages the Ethics Line in accordance with the Board’s Ethics Line Oversight and Governance Policy.
• Actively engages in training, conferences, and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• Attends all Audit Committee meetings and periodically meets with individual members.
• Works collaboratively with the Executive Team to align audits with business cycles while maintaining auditor independence.
• Participates on the Executive Team to provide advisory feedback on materials, policies, and other matters.
• Manages special audit and advisory service projects and related initiatives.
• Carries out other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Ten years of overall professional work experience in audit, risk, and/or control functions, with three to five years in a leadership position.
• Audit experience in investments, benefits, and information technology areas preferred.
• Experience designing and executing risk-based audit plans.
• Knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards, published by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
• Preferred certifications: CPA, CIA, CISA, CISSP, CISM, CGAP, or CGFM.
• Prior experience leading or supporting a function in a financial institution, pension industry, public sector, or other relevant sector.
• Knowledge of governmental and pension industry-specific accounting and reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with state and federal pension governance frameworks preferred.
• Experience engaging with and building credible relationships with regulators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and audit management software such as TeamMate, as well as data analytics software such as ACL.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and office productivity machinery.
• Occasional moving and positioning of supplies in excess of 20 pounds.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods and operate standard PC equipment.
• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules.
• Hybrid work option: opportunity to work from home up to three days per week, eligibility dependent on PERA's Work from Home Policy.