Strategic Compliance Internal Auditor

Job Description

Wright State University

EEO Statement: Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Faculty Rank or Job Title: Strategic Compliance Internal Auditor

Job Category: Administrative (exempt/non-exempt)

Department: University Audit and Consulting Services

EEO number: 26P204

Position FTE: 1.0

Minimum Annual or Hourly Rate:

Salary Band: UC S06

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Strategic Compliance Internal Auditor is a highly critical and proactive professional responsible for providing independent, risk-based assurance and advisory services to the University. This role focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the University's governance, risk management, and internal control processes. The Auditor's primary function is to identify high-impact compliance risks and recommend mitigation before the risks materialize or to work with management to ensure mitigation of any known issues; thereby ensuring the University operates at the highest ethical and regulatory standards to provide the best, most compliant environment for the students, faculty, and staff while protecting the University's assets, reputation, and commitment, including meeting all Ohio and Federal mandates.

The position operates in an environment where maintaining the highest ethical standards and confidentiality is necessary. Operating without a right or wrong answer, the incumbent will need to maintain their strong ethical judgement while balancing University needs. The ability to maintain objectivity and professional skepticism while exercising sound judgment in complex, sensitive, and high-stakes situations will be exercised on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other field allowing for an understanding of risk and controls and 5 years of relevant experience in professional auditing, compliance, or related oversight roles reviewing, identifying, or performing control related activities OR Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other field allowing for an understanding of risk and controls and 3 years of relevant experience in professional auditing, compliance, or related oversight roles reviewing, identifying, or performing control related activities.
• Ability to apply concepts of risks and controls to their work, or an understanding of risk and control frameworks such as COSO or internal audit standards, including but not limited to, internal auditing, public accounting, or a compliance role.
• One year of experience performing research, interpreting, and applying complex federal and/or state regulations.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate persuasively with senior management, deans, and faculty regarding control deficiencies and required corrective actions.
• Commitment to operating under the highest ethical standards and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Certification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), or other related, recognized certification.
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., MBA, M.S. in related business field).
• Direct internal audit or compliance experience within an Ohio public university or major non-profit organization, with knowledge of the specific Ohio higher ed regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of federal regulations related to University operations
• Advanced proficiency with data analytics and visualization tools.

Essential Functions and percent of time

Under the direction and leadership of the Director, performs the following:

• Proactive Risk Management and Advisory Services (20%)
  • Risk Mitigation Partnership: Serve as a proactive advisor to business process owners and compliance officers on the design and implementation of new or enhanced internal controls, systems, and processes.
  • Regulatory Foresight: Proactively monitor and research emerging federal, state, and international regulatory changes (e.g., Ohio SB1, changes to export controls, FERPA regulations, Financial Aid interpretations, Title IX guidance, foreign gift reporting, NIH/NSF grant rules, etc) to advise management on necessary policy adjustments and control enhancements before the compliance deadline.
  • Continuous Monitoring (CM): Assist in developing and implementing Continuous Auditing/Monitoring (CA/CM) programs by defining key risk indicators (KRIs) and utilizing technology, where appropriate, to perform real-time analysis of high-risk transactions.
• Compliance Audit Planning and Execution (50%)
  • Audit Scope: Lead and execute complex, risk-based assurance audits in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors standards, focusing on areas of most significant risk to a major research institution, which may or may not include:
    • Ohio State Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to Ohio regulations where required (ex. Ohio Auditor of State requirements, the Ohio Public Records Act, etc), accounting standards, audit standards, etc
    • Research Compliance: Sponsored projects (Uniform Guidance), human subjects (IRB), animal care (IACUC), conflicts of interest, and export controls.
    • Financial & State Compliance: Title IV/Financial Aid, State of Ohio fiscal standards, institutional reserves, and complex tax compliance (e.g., UBIT).
    • Information Technology (IT) Controls: Cybersecurity, data governance (FERPA/HIPAA), and general computer controls (GCCs) over critical University systems.
  • Data-Driven Auditing: Apply advanced data analytics techniques (CAATs) to large volumes of University data to identify anomalies, patterns of non-compliance, and control failures efficiently and effectively.
  • Reporting: Prepare comprehensive, high-quality audit reports with clear, concise, and actionable recommendations.
• Governance and Accountability (25%)
  • Follow-up and Validation: Track and validate management's implementation of corrective action plans (CAPs) to ensure remedial steps address the root cause of the finding and result in a sustained improvement of the control environment.
  • Investigations: Assist with or conduct special investigations, reviews, or allegations of misconduct as directed, in coordination with Compliance, Risk, or General Counsel.
  • External Coordination: Coordinate audit activities with external auditors where necessary, regulatory agencies, and sponsored research monitors to minimize duplication of effort and ensure a cohesive approach to institutional assurance.
  • Board Interaction: Assist the Director of Internal Audit in preparing and presenting (when requested) reports on the University's control and compliance status to the University's Board of Trustees, providing objective insight on high-level risks.
  • Prepare and maintain audit workpapers and documentation in accordance with IIA standards.

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Working Conditions

Onsite position Wright State University Dayton Campus. Position may require travel to, but not limited to, Wright State University campus’ and/or facilities. Position may require working outside of normal business hours. The position may require on‑site inspections involving standing, walking, bending, and occasionally accessing elevated or confined areas to review facilities, equipment, and validate documentation. Compliance audits may involve working in awkward positions or handling materials that require proper safety practices. Employees may be required to remain reachable during non‑duty hours or in emergency situations to support time‑sensitive compliance matters. To preserve the safety and security of the campus community and to maintain the integrity of university operations, it is the policy of Wright State University making an employment offer contingent on various background checks, such as a criminal record, credit history when job related and/or education verifications. Additionally, an administrative review shall be conducted whenever the university learns that an employee is charged with or convicted of a crime (except for minor vehicle violations). Frequently asked questions related to background checks may be found on the Human resources website at http://www.wright.edu/human-resources. Effective July 1, 2017, per Policy 7230 Wright State University is tobacco-free. Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising sampling and distribution of tobacco products and tobacco related items is prohibited in all university facilities, on all university owned or leased grounds, university owned or operated residence halls and apartments, and at all university sponsored events regardless of location. Tobacco use is also prohibited in all university vehicles or on any equipment owned, leased or operated by Wright State University. This policy applies to anyone on campus including students, faculty, staff, visitors, consultants, vendors, patients, volunteers, and contractor employees.

First Consideration Date: 04/16/2026

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wright.edu/postings/22190