Director of Internal Audit

UNC Asheville Overview

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and a welcoming campus community.

In addition to award-winning faculty, UNCA has also ranked high in Research.com, US News & World Report and the Princeton Review in 2025.

Position Summary

The Director of Internal Audit administers the internal audit activity of the University by conducting audits of academic and administrative departments and activities and by developing a comprehensive, practical program of audit coverage for the University. The Director of Internal Audit must understand and support the mission of a liberal arts institution and provide objective and professional evaluation of University operations to assist management in accomplishing their assigned responsibilities.

Required Education/Experience/Skills

Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related discipline, and four years of audit experience, or Bachelor’s degree in any field and certification/licensure in one or more of the following: certified internal auditor, certified fraud examiner, certified information system auditor, certified public accountant, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills

• Professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE); or an advanced degree such as an MBA or related field.
• Significant experience leading internal audit functions within a complex, decentralized organization, preferably in higher education or government environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute risk-based audit plans and align audit activities with institutional priorities.
• Strong knowledge of accounting, auditing, internal controls, and applicable regulatory frameworks, ideally within a public higher education setting.
• Experience engaging with executive leadership and governing boards, including the ability to translate technical findings into strategic, decision-relevant insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise materials for senior leadership and boards.