UI Senior Auditor - Iowa Board of Regents

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Auditor - Iowa Board of Regents Company: University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation Location: Main Campus, Iowa City, Iowa (Hybrid Work Model) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Internal Audit / Finance & Accounting / Government & Public Sector Date Posted: October 28, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This Senior Auditor role is critical for ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of financial and operational processes across the Iowa Board of Regents' institutions.
• The position involves complex internal audits, risk assessment, and the development of actionable recommendations for process improvement and control enhancement.
• You will leverage advanced knowledge of audit procedures and data analysis techniques to evaluate operational and business processes, identifying areas of risk and proposing strategic solutions.
• This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the governance and oversight of Iowa's public educational institutions, reporting directly to the Board's Chief Audit Executive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly states this is an "Iowa Board of Regents position" and requires direct application via email to [email protected], not through the provided UNI Workday portal. This implies a direct reporting line to the Board's Office of Internal Audit, with the University of Northern Iowa serving as the administrative entity for this role. The mention of "University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa" as the location further clarifies the operational base despite the UNI affiliation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct Comprehensive Internal Audits: Plan and execute a wide range of complex internal audits, evaluating operational and business processes for appropriate internal controls and compliance with university and government guidelines, policies, and regulations.
• Risk Assessment and Control Recommendations: Identify areas of process risk, research thoroughly, and make specific recommendations to improve policies, procedures, and internal controls to mitigate identified risks.
• Data Analysis and Compliance Verification: Work with complex accounting and financial data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to established standards, investigating identified issues with meticulous attention to detail.
• Follow-up and Corrective Action Monitoring: Conduct timely follow-up reviews of audited areas and programs to ensure management has implemented appropriate corrective actions and addressed audit findings effectively.
• Mentorship and Training: Provide direction, guidance, and training to junior staff auditors, fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable audit team environment.
• Policy and Procedure Enhancement: Contribute to the development and refinement of internal audit standards, policies, and procedures to align with best practices and organizational objectives.
• Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicate audit findings, recommendations, and progress updates to management and relevant stakeholders through professional verbal and written reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive approach to risk management and process improvement, going beyond mere compliance checks. The role requires not only identifying issues but also developing and recommending practical solutions that enhance efficiency and control effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in a business, accounting, or information technology field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of applicable experience, with a strong preference given to audit experience.

Required Skills:

• Audit Procedures & Standards: Advanced knowledge and practical application of internal audit procedures, including the ability to assess an organization's exposure to various risks and recommend controls to address these risks.
• Risk Management: Proven ability to identify, assess, and articulate organizational risks and propose effective mitigation strategies.
• Data Gathering & Analysis: Experience with data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes to support audit conclusions.
• Internal Controls Evaluation: Critical ability to assess business policies, procedures, and practices for control effectiveness and compliance.
• Process Improvement: Demonstrated capability to identify inefficiencies and recommend specific steps for process enhancement.
• Project Management: Ability to establish and execute audit projects to meet required deadlines efficiently and effectively.
• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Sufficient knowledge and ability to utilize Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, for data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Professional Communication: Proficiency in professional verbal and written communication, essential for reporting findings and collaborating with stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Specialized Auditing Experience: Experience in information technology, financial, construction, compliance, or operational auditing.
• Organizational Acumen: Advanced proficiency in applying organizational understanding to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization.
• Training Experience: Experience in training new staff auditors, demonstrating leadership potential and knowledge transfer capabilities.
• Workday Functionality: Knowledge of Workday functionality and controls, particularly relevant for auditing systems used by the Board of Regents.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a certification (CPA, CIA, CMA, CISA) is a critical qualifier that significantly elevates the expected level of expertise and professionalism for this Senior Auditor role. Candidates without one of these certifications will likely not be considered.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Audit Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of complex internal audits conducted, clearly outlining the scope, objectives, methodology, key findings, and implemented recommendations.
• Risk Assessment Frameworks: Demonstrate experience in applying various risk assessment frameworks and how you've used them to identify and prioritize audit areas.
• Internal Control Documentation: Provide examples of how you have documented and evaluated internal controls within an organization, highlighting any improvements made.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Present specific examples of process improvements you have recommended or implemented, quantifying the impact on efficiency, cost savings, or risk reduction.

Process Documentation:

• Audit Planning & Execution: Evidence of structured audit planning documents, workpapers, and final audit reports that adhere to professional standards.
• Data Analysis Reports: Examples of reports generated from data analysis tools, showcasing findings, trends, and actionable insights derived from financial or operational data.
• Control Matrix Development: Showcase experience in developing and utilizing control matrices to map risks to controls and assess control effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should emphasize the candidate's ability to translate complex data and process evaluations into clear, actionable recommendations that drive tangible improvements in risk management and operational efficiency. Demonstrating proficiency with data analysis tools within these case studies will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Minimum $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Eligible for excellent benefits, including health insurance.
• Retirement Plans: Access to robust retirement savings options.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and professional certifications.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Lower Cost of Living: Iowa offers a lower cost of living compared to many other states, enhancing the overall value of the compensation package.

Working Hours:

• Full-time (100%) position, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work model offers flexibility in scheduling, balancing on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated minimum salary of $70,000 is a baseline. Given the "commensurate with experience" clause and the requirement for certifications, experienced candidates with a strong audit background and specialized skills could expect a salary significantly above this minimum, potentially reaching into the $80,000-$90,000+ range depending on the depth and breadth of their qualifications and experience, particularly in areas like IT audit or advanced data analytics. Salary research for similar Senior Auditor roles in Iowa, considering the public sector and the required certifications, supports this range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education Governance / Public Sector Company Size: The Iowa Board of Regents governs five public educational institutions, comprising a large network of students, faculty, and staff. The Office of Internal Audit itself is likely a focused team within this larger governance structure. Founded: The Iowa Board of Regents was established by law to provide policy, coordination, and oversight for Iowa's public educational institutions.

Team Structure:

• Direct Reporting: The Senior Auditor will report directly to the Board’s Chief Audit Executive, indicating a high level of visibility and direct interaction with leadership.
• Audit Team: The role is part of the Office of Internal Audit, which aims to provide objective assurance and consulting services to add value and improve operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Auditors frequently collaborate with management and staff across various departments and institutions under the Board's purview to gather information, conduct tests, and discuss findings.

Methodology:

• Systematic & Disciplined Approach: The Office of Internal Audit employs a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve risk management, control, and governance processes.
• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis is placed on using data analysis as a core component to evaluate operational efficiencies and controls, providing an independent and objective assessment.
• Value Addition: The team partners with management to enhance and protect organizational value through its assurance and consulting activities.

Company Website: Iowa Board of Regents (Specific institutional websites apply as well)

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a Board of Regents office is typically focused on governance, compliance, and strategic oversight. The Internal Audit function operates with a mandate for independence and objectivity, aiming to support the institutions' missions while ensuring accountability and fiscal responsibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level to Senior. This role is designated as "Senior Auditor," indicating a level beyond entry-level or junior auditor positions. It requires independent judgment, complex problem-solving, and the ability to mentor others.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Auditor reports directly to the Chief Audit Executive of the Iowa Board of Regents, providing a clear line of authority and direct access to senior leadership within the audit function.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on organizational value by ensuring robust internal controls, enhancing operational efficiencies, and promoting compliance with policies and regulations. This directly supports the Board's mission of effective governance and oversight of public educational institutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific audit areas such as IT audit, financial audit, compliance audit, or operational audit, aligning with preferred qualifications.
• Leadership Development: Potential to move into roles with greater supervisory responsibility, such as Audit Manager, by demonstrating strong leadership, mentoring capabilities, and strategic thinking.
• Professional Advancement: Continued professional development through advanced certifications, industry conferences, and complex project assignments, enhancing career mobility within public administration or higher education.
• Cross-Institutional Exposure: Gaining broad experience across multiple universities and their diverse operations, which can be valuable for future roles in auditing, finance, or administration within the public sector or large organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, coupled with the direct reporting to the Chief Audit Executive, suggests this role is a crucial stepping stone for individuals aiming for leadership positions within internal audit or related governance functions. The requirement for professional certifications (CPA, CIA, etc.) further underscores the expectation of a high caliber of professional development and career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model. The position is based at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, but allows for a blend of on-site and remote work. Office Location(s): University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. This provides access to the resources and collaborative environment of a major university campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration through scheduled on-site days, while remote work days support focused individual tasks and analysis.
• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized audit software and data analysis tools required for effective auditing.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with audit team members, management, and staff across various institutions, fostering a broad professional network.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in managing workdays, balancing personal needs with professional responsibilities and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant benefit, offering flexibility that is highly valued by professionals. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they manage their time and productivity effectively in both remote and on-site settings, particularly concerning collaboration and access to necessary resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter, and three professional references directly via email to [email protected].
• Initial Screening: Review of submitted application materials against required and desired qualifications, with particular attention to certifications and relevant experience.
• Technical Interview: Likely includes in-depth questions on audit methodologies, risk assessment, internal controls, data analysis techniques, and scenario-based problem-solving related to auditing complex financial and operational processes.
• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and ability to handle challenging situations, as well as cultural fit with the Board of Regents' governance and audit function.
• Final Interview: May involve the Chief Audit Executive or other senior stakeholders to discuss strategic alignment, long-term potential, and confirm suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each audit case study, clearly articulate the impact of your work using quantifiable metrics (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, reduction in identified risks).
• Highlight Process Improvement: Focus on how your recommendations led to tangible improvements in processes, controls, or compliance.
• Showcase Analytical Prowess: Include examples of data analysis techniques used and how they informed your audit findings and recommendations.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to the public sector, higher education, or complex organizational structures if applicable.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your capabilities and contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Practice: Be prepared to walk through a hypothetical audit scenario, discussing your approach to planning, fieldwork, risk assessment, control testing, and reporting.
• Technical Questions: Review common audit standards (e.g., IIA Standards), risk frameworks (e.g., COSO), and common controls in financial and operational systems.
• Data Analysis Scenarios: Consider how you would approach analyzing large datasets to identify anomalies, trends, or control weaknesses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The direct email application process bypasses standard online portals. Applicants should ensure their email submission is professional, clearly states the position they are applying for, and includes all requested documents in an organized manner. The cover letter is a crucial opportunity to highlight key qualifications and express interest in the specific mission of the Iowa Board of Regents.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint is explicitly required for documentation, data analysis, reporting, and communication. Excel will be particularly critical for data manipulation and analysis.
• Audit Management Software: While not explicitly named, experience with audit management platforms (e.g., TeamMate, AuditBoard, Workiva) is often beneficial for managing audit projects, workpapers, and findings.
• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with data analysis tools beyond Excel, such as:
  • ACL (Audit Command Language) / IDEA (Interactive Data Extraction and Analysis): Widely used in internal audit for data extraction, analysis, and fraud detection.
  • SQL: For querying databases directly to extract and analyze financial and operational data.
  • Tableau / Power BI: For creating visualizations and dashboards to present audit findings effectively.
• Workday Functionality: Familiarity with Workday, specifically its functionality and controls, is a desired qualification, suggesting potential audits related to this HR and financial management system.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel for data manipulation, pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and basic statistical analysis.
• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating executive-level reports and dashboards.
• Reporting Frameworks: Ability to structure and present findings clearly and concisely in written reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, understanding how financial and operational data flows through various enterprise systems (ERP, HRIS like Workday) is crucial for auditing purposes.
• Automation tools may be relevant for streamlining audit processes themselves, though not explicitly mentioned as a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the emphasis on data analysis, candidates who can demonstrate proficiency with specialized data analysis tools (ACL, IDEA, SQL) and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) will have a significant advantage over those relying solely on basic Excel skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Objectivity: Upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring independence and impartiality in all audit activities.
• Accuracy and Compliance: Commitment to the meticulous verification of financial and operational data and ensuring strict adherence to all relevant policies and regulations.
• Efficiency and Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to optimize processes, enhance controls, and add value to the organization through insightful recommendations.
• Professionalism and Collaboration: Maintaining a high level of professional conduct while working effectively with colleagues, management, and stakeholders across diverse institutions.
• Thoroughness and Diligence: A commitment to comprehensive investigation and analysis, ensuring all aspects of an audit are rigorously examined.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership with Management: The audit team aims to partner with management to enhance and protect organizational value, suggesting a collaborative rather than purely adversarial approach.
• Cross-Functional Engagement: Regular interaction with individuals at various levels across different institutions to gather information, understand processes, and discuss findings.
• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that likely encourages sharing best practices and lessons learned within the audit team to foster collective growth and improve audit quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a balance between rigorous oversight and supportive partnership. The ideal candidate will be someone who can conduct thorough audits while also building positive working relationships with the audited entities, fostering trust and encouraging buy-in for recommended improvements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Organizations: Auditing across multiple large, diverse institutions (universities) presents challenges in understanding unique operational structures, policies, and cultures.
• Data Volume and Complexity: Dealing with vast amounts of complex financial and operational data from various systems requires advanced analytical skills and efficient data management.
• Balancing Audit Scope and Resources: Ensuring comprehensive audit coverage within established timelines and resource constraints requires strong prioritization and project management skills.
• Driving Change: Persuading management to adopt audit recommendations, especially those requiring significant effort or cultural shifts, can be challenging.
• Keeping Pace with Evolving Risks: Staying abreast of emerging risks, regulatory changes, and technological advancements relevant to higher education institutions and public sector auditing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Support for pursuing or maintaining professional certifications like CPA, CIA, CISA, CMA, which are highly valued and contribute to career advancement.
• Specialized Audit Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas such as IT auditing, cybersecurity, fraud detection, or specialized financial regulations impacting higher education.
• Exposure to Diverse Operations: Gaining broad experience across different university departments and functions, providing a comprehensive understanding of organizational operations.
• Mentorship from Chief Audit Executive: Direct guidance and learning from a senior audit leader.
• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Participation in events focused on internal auditing, higher education administration, or public sector governance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to develop expertise in auditing complex, public-sector organizations. The challenges are directly linked to growth opportunities, pushing candidates to expand their analytical capabilities, strategic thinking, and influence skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Audit Approach: "Describe your process for planning and executing a complex operational audit. How do you identify key risks and tailor your audit program?" (Focus on risk-based auditing, planning, fieldwork, and documentation).
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle pushback from management regarding audit findings or recommendations? Provide an example." (Highlight communication skills, diplomacy, and evidence-based arguments).
• Problem Solving: "Walk me through a time you identified a significant control weakness or process inefficiency. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Structure your answer using STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, Result, emphasizing your analytical and problem-solving skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding the Board: "What do you understand about the role of the Iowa Board of Regents and its institutions? How does this influence your approach to auditing?" (Research the Board's mission, vision, and strategic priorities).
• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal working relationship with colleagues and management in an audit setting. How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and support for colleagues).
• Value Proposition: "How do you see this Senior Auditor role contributing to the overall mission and value of the Iowa Board of Regents?" (Connect your skills and responsibilities to the Board's governance and oversight objectives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Case Studies: Select 2-3 impactful case studies that best represent your skills in risk assessment, data analysis, and process improvement. Be prepared to present them concisely (5-7 minutes each).
• Quantify Results: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your actions, and the measurable impact of your recommendations (e.g., "Reduced processing time by 15%," "Mitigated risk of financial misstatement by implementing new control").
• Demonstrate Analytical Skills: Be ready to discuss the specific data analysis techniques you used and how they led to your conclusions. If possible, have visual aids (charts, graphs) ready.
• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your recommendations and how they align with best practices and organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess not only your technical auditing skills but also your ability to think strategically, communicate effectively, and operate with integrity within a public governance framework. Demonstrating an understanding of the higher education landscape and public sector accountability will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Direct Email Application: Submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references directly to [email protected]. Do not apply through the provided Workday link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in auditing, risk management, data analysis, internal controls, and any relevant certifications (CPA, CIA, CMA, CISA). Use keywords from the job description.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly state your interest in the Senior Auditor position with the Iowa Board of Regents. Emphasize how your qualifications and experience align with the requirements, particularly your ability to work with complex financial data and drive process improvements.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize your portfolio with clear examples of your audit work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your approach to risk assessment, data analysis, and impactful recommendations. Be ready to present key examples during the interview.
• Research the Iowa Board of Regents: Understand the mission, institutions governed, and any recent initiatives or challenges facing the Board. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview questions related to organizational context and strategic alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The direct application method via email is a critical instruction to follow.