This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package that can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range which will be commensurate with qualifications.

This competition will be used to fill 2 positions.

Applications will be reviewed in January 2023.

Location: Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Department/Faculty Summary

The mission of Internal Audit and Risk Management (IARM) is to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes within the University of Alberta.

IARM executes audits, oversees the University’s enterprise risk management framework and conducts investigations into reports of fraud and irregularity. Through these activities it provides tools and insight to protect and enhance institutional value and improve decision-making in pursuit of institutional goals.

To meet its mission, IARM delivers its core audit activities under two main service lines – internal auditing and examining alleged fraud or irregularities. There are also four audit-related activities where IARM plays a role: liaison with external audit groups; continuous auditing; risk management; and institutional compliance. Everyone in the group must contribute to service delivery in all these areas. 

Position Summary

Internal auditors must demonstrate a high degree of initiative and ability to work independently on complex assignments. They use their extensive audit experience, professional qualifications and educational knowledge and skills on value-for money (systems) audits, special investigations, financial and operating audits, and provide audit-related advice. This includes leading independent reviews of, and providing advice on all University operations, business and management activities. In doing so, auditors assist the University in accomplishing its strategic, operational, reporting and compliance objectives.

Internal auditors must demonstrate flexibility and professionalism, as well as sensitivity to the confidential nature of the matters examined. As part of a small group, internal auditors also have a responsibility to assist in continuous improvement of the audit methodology and practices of the department.  

In fulfilling their responsibilities, internal auditors provide leadership as strategic collaborators with University management in their efforts to enable positive change. They are experts in independent and objective assessment of risk, control and governance and add-value by bridging these audit requirements with an understanding of organizational culture and innovation.

Duties

Plans and manages projects to ensure that the audits, as identified and approved by the Board Audit Committee, are completed efficiently and in accordance with applicable standards:  

• Uses experience, insight and judgment in researching the aspects of the project and conduct an appropriate risk-assessment to determine the areas to be examined.   
• Researches and develops appropriate objectives, scope and criteria for each project. 
• Develops terms of reference, audit programs and audit planning memoranda. 
• Confers with senior management to ensure their concerns are addressed, where possible, in the audit plan.
• Coordinates the acquisition of necessary expertise (e.g. construction management, treasury, actuarial experience).
• Works on multiple projects and demonstrates effective time and team management skills.
• Reviews and assesses the adequacy and reliability of existing risk management activities, governance structures and internal controls (financial and operating).
• Determines the extent of compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Uses appropriate tools and methodologies in completing work, such as computer assisted audit techniques to assist in the analysis and collection of data.
• Completes work in accordance with professional standards while meeting project deadlines and budgets.

Reports the results of work effectively:   

• Recommends cost-effective modifications to existing controls, risk management and governance processes when required.  
• Communicates complex issues clearly and concisely – both verbally and in writing. 
• Plans and conducts exit conference meetings with appropriate levels of management to review observations and recommendations arising from audits.  
• Writes audit reports that are accurate, balanced, logical, and focused on higher-risk areas.  
• Presents findings to senior management, the Board Audit Committee and/or the Board of Governors, as required.

Fraud examination or related special investigation activities:

• Addresses initial complaints with due regard and screens complaints appropriately using professional standards and criteria.  
• Conducts interviews with those bringing forward complaints, as well as those against whom the complaints are raised, with sensitivity and professionalism. 
• Applies judgment in determining the nature of information to gather, the substantive testing, analysis and evidence required to move forward.  
• Understands relevant University policies and procedures to determine the most effective remedial action to be taken.   

Brings expertise to IARM’s operational work through other audit activities: 

• Maintains good relations with four stakeholder groups: the University’s external auditors including the Auditor General of Alberta, Tri-Agencies, other granting agencies, WCB, and other independent auditors; University management and members of the Board Audit Committee; contracted internal audit partners; and, internal auditors at other universities. 
• Prepares reports to the Board Audit Committee and/or to the Board itself. 
• Manages contracted expertise through the selection, establishment of deliverables and oversight of professional audit and/or forensic services. This includes ensuring projects are managed effectively to meet budget and deliverable commitments.

Minimum Qualifications

• An accounting (CPA, CMA or CGA) and/or an internal auditing (CIA, CISA) designation. Master in Business or Public Administration preferred.  
• Experience in a complex internal audit environment or other related field - minimum eight years (or six years plus an applicable post graduate degree).
• Fraud investigative experience is preferred.  
• Expertise in an area of audit desired, (e.g. Fraud Investigations (CFE) or Information Systems (CISA)).  
• An understanding of post-secondary governance structures and service delivery models.
• Knowledge of the latest trends in audit techniques and directions.  
• An understanding of internal control frameworks and risk management. 
• A member of the Institution of Internal Auditors.  
• Sound judgment in balancing the needs of the organization with the expectations of the position.  
• A strategic approach to the delivery of services and ability to problem solve, including the ability to be flexible and innovative.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Solid negotiation skills, tact, sensitivity and diplomacy.  
• Good time management, project management and team-based skills. 
• The ability to work independently.  
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Word, Excel, and database management as well as auditing analytics.