UI Senior Auditor - Iowa Board of Regents

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Senior Auditor - Iowa Board of Regents

Company: University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation

Location: Iowa City, Iowa (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Internal Audit / Financial Oversight

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves conducting comprehensive internal audits across various departments of the Iowa Board of Regents institutions to ensure adherence to financial, university, and governmental guidelines.

• Key responsibilities include evaluating operational and business processes, identifying internal control weaknesses, and recommending strategic improvements to mitigate risk.

• The position requires a strong understanding of audit standards, financial data analysis, and compliance monitoring, with a focus on enhancing organizational value through objective assessments.

• This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the governance and operational efficiency of Iowa's public higher education system, reporting directly to the Board's Chief Audit Executive.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designated as an Iowa Board of Regents position, requiring direct application to the Board of Regents, not through the University of Northern Iowa's internal system. Applicants must submit their resume, cover letter, and references directly to the hiring manager, Chad Sharp. The role is based in Iowa City, Iowa, and offers a hybrid work model.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a wide range of complex internal audits, evaluating operational and business processes to assess the effectiveness of internal controls.

• Analyze complex accounting and financial data to ensure accuracy and compliance with university, state, and federal regulations, policies, and guidelines.

• Identify areas of process risk and develop actionable recommendations for policy or procedural improvements to enhance operational efficiency and control effectiveness.

• Conduct thorough follow-up reviews to ensure management has implemented appropriate corrective actions for previously identified audit findings.

• Provide direction, guidance, and training to junior staff auditors, fostering a collaborative and high-performing audit team environment.

• Research identified issues comprehensively, documenting findings and supporting evidence to present clear and concise audit reports.

• Ensure all audit activities are conducted in accordance with established internal audit standards and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core function of this role is to act as an independent assurance and consulting activity, adding value and improving the organization's operations by providing objective assessments of risk management, control, and governance processes. The emphasis is on a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluating and enhancing these critical areas across the Board's institutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of applicable professional experience.

Required Skills:

• Certifications: A professional certification is mandatory. Candidates must hold one of the following: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

• Audit Expertise: Advanced knowledge of internal audit procedures, risk assessment methodologies, and the ability to evaluate an organization's exposure to various risks.

• Compliance & Controls: Strong understanding of compliance frameworks and the ability to assess and recommend improvements for internal controls.

• Data Analysis: Demonstrated experience with data gathering, analysis tools, techniques, and processes for financial and operational data.

• Software Proficiency: Sufficient knowledge and ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Critical Assessment: Ability to critically assess business policies, procedures, and practices to identify areas for improvement.

• Project Management: Capability to establish and execute audit projects, managing timelines and resources to meet required deadlines.

• Communication: Proficiency in professional verbal and written communication, essential for reporting findings and collaborating with stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in specialized audit areas such as information technology, financial, construction, compliance, or operational auditing.

• Advanced proficiency in applying organizational acumen to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for complex organizations like the Board of Regents institutions.

• Experience in training and mentoring new or junior staff auditors.

• Knowledge of healthcare operational processes, which may be relevant for specific audit engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a professional certification (CPA, CIA, CMA, CISA) is a critical filter for this role, signifying a baseline level of expertise and commitment to the audit profession. The preference for audit experience underscores the need for practical, hands-on application of auditing principles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Audit Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of past audit engagements, highlighting the scope, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Provide examples of how you have identified process inefficiencies or control weaknesses and implemented effective solutions.

• Risk Assessment Frameworks: Demonstrate your understanding and application of risk assessment frameworks used in audit planning and execution.

• Data Analysis Examples: Include examples of data analysis techniques used to uncover insights, validate findings, or support audit conclusions.

• Compliance & Control Frameworks: Illustrate your knowledge of relevant compliance regulations and internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO).

Process Documentation:

• Audit Planning & Execution: Document your approach to planning and executing complex audits, including risk-based audit program development.

• Reporting & Communication: Showcase examples of clear, concise, and impactful audit reports, demonstrating effective communication of findings and recommendations to various stakeholder levels.

• Follow-up & Remediation: Detail your methodology for tracking and ensuring the effective implementation of management's corrective actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates are strongly advised to prepare detailed examples of their work that demonstrate their proficiency in audit planning, execution, risk assessment, data analysis, and reporting. This should be ready to discuss during interviews and potentially present as part of a case study.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Minimum: $70,000 per year.

Research Methodology for Salary Estimate:

• The provided minimum of $70,000 is explicitly stated in the job description.

• For a Senior Auditor role with the required certifications (CPA, CIA, etc.) and 3+ years of experience in a state government/university system, a typical salary range in Iowa would be between $70,000 and $95,000 annually. Factors influencing the upper end include the depth and breadth of audit experience, specialized certifications, and demonstrated leadership potential.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Eligible employees receive a robust benefits package, which typically includes health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement Plan: Participation in a state retirement plan.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and professional certifications.

• Family-Friendly Policies: The university system often supports work-life balance through family-friendly policies.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek is 40 hours.

• The position is eligible for a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility between office-based work in Iowa City and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Auditor role in Iowa, particularly within the public sector. The hybrid work model offers significant flexibility. The mention of the "lower cost of living" and a "cost of living calculator" suggests the employer is mindful of employee financial well-being in relation to compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, Higher Education, Non-profit (Foundation aspect)

Company Size: The Iowa Board of Regents governs five public educational institutions, employing tens of thousands of individuals across the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa, as well as other state-supported initiatives. The Office of Internal Audit is a specialized department within this larger system.

Founded: The Board of Regents was established in 1909, with a long history of governing Iowa's public universities.

Team Structure:

• Office of Internal Audit: This is an independent and objective function reporting directly to the Board's Chief Audit Executive. The team is comprised of auditors with specialized skills.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Auditor reports to the Chief Audit Executive, who provides oversight for all audit activities across the Board's institutions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with management and staff across various departments within the University of Iowa, as well as potentially other Board of Regents institutions, to conduct audits and implement recommendations.

Methodology:

• Risk-Based Auditing: The office employs a systematic, disciplined approach focused on evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis on utilizing data analysis to identify trends, assess financial health, and uncover operational efficiencies.

• Process Optimization: A core objective is to provide consulting services to management, enhancing operational efficiencies and strengthening internal controls.

Company Website:

• Board of Regents, State of Iowa: https://www.iowaregents.edu/

• University of Northern Iowa Foundation: https://www.uni.edu/foundation/ (While the job is posted via UNI, the role is for the Board of Regents, so the Board's site is more relevant for understanding the governance structure).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation" is listed as the organization, but the job description clarifies it's an "Iowa Board of Regents position." This means the role's primary affiliation and reporting structure are with the Board, not UNI's internal audit department. The culture will likely be one of structured governance, compliance, and a commitment to public service and education.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the internal audit function. It requires a strong foundation of audit principles, practical experience, and the ability to work independently and guide others. It sits above entry-level auditor roles and below management or lead auditor positions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Auditor reports directly to the Board's Chief Audit Executive. This provides high visibility to senior leadership and direct exposure to the governance of Iowa's public universities.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the financial integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance of Iowa's public higher education institutions. By identifying risks and recommending improvements, the Senior Auditor contributes to safeguarding institutional assets, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring adherence to critical regulations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into Lead Auditor or Audit Manager roles within the Board of Regents' Office of Internal Audit, taking on more complex projects and managing audit teams.

• Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific audit areas such as IT audit, financial audit, or operational audit through ongoing training and project assignments.

• Cross-Institutional Exposure: Gain broad experience across multiple universities and diverse operational environments, enhancing a comprehensive understanding of higher education administration.

• Professional Certifications: Continued support for maintaining and potentially pursuing advanced professional certifications, crucial for career progression in audit.

• Strategic Influence: As experience grows, the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the internal audit function and influence policy development within the Board of Regents.

📝 Enhancement Note: The reporting structure to the Chief Audit Executive offers a significant advantage for career growth. It provides direct mentorship and exposure to high-level decision-making processes that are critical for advancement into leadership roles within public sector auditing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is eligible for a hybrid work model, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The office base is in Iowa City, Iowa.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: Iowa City, Iowa.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote work is an option, the office setting will facilitate collaboration with colleagues within the Office of Internal Audit and with stakeholders during audit engagements.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, including computers, network access, and relevant audit software. Proficiency with Microsoft Office is a requirement.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with audit team members for project discussions, knowledge sharing, and peer review, whether in person or virtually.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour workweek is expected.

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility in structuring the workweek, balancing remote productivity with in-office collaboration as needed for audit activities and team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant aspect of this role, offering a balance between focused remote work and essential in-person collaboration. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they manage productivity and communication in a hybrid setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Submission: Candidates must apply directly to Chad Sharp via email with a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Do not apply through the provided UNI Workday link for this specific role.

• Screening & Assessment: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications, including education, experience, and required certifications (CPA, CIA, etc.).

• Interview Rounds: Expect one or more interview rounds. These may include:

  • A discussion with the hiring manager (Chad Sharp) to assess overall fit, experience, and understanding of audit principles.
  • A technical interview or case study presentation with the Chief Audit Executive or other senior auditors to evaluate your audit methodology, risk assessment skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Potentially a panel interview with other team members to gauge team fit and collaborative style.

• Final Evaluation: Focus will be on your ability to perform complex audits, communicate effectively, and contribute to the audit team's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Examples: Select 2-3 impactful audit projects that best showcase your skills in risk assessment, data analysis, internal control evaluation, and reporting.

• Focus on Impact: For each example, clearly articulate the problem or risk, your methodology, the key findings, and the quantifiable or qualitative impact of your recommendations.

• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your audit process from planning through follow-up, highlighting your structured approach.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., identified cost savings, improved compliance rates, reduced risk exposure).

• Tailor to Public Sector: If possible, include examples relevant to government, education, or non-profit sectors to demonstrate understanding of public sector nuances.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a case study exercise that might involve analyzing a set of financial data, evaluating a hypothetical business process for control weaknesses, or outlining an audit plan for a specific area.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions related to how you would handle challenging audit situations, such as management resistance, uncovering significant fraud, or dealing with limited resources.

• Strategic Thinking: Think about how you would approach auditing a new or complex area within a university setting, considering the unique risks and regulatory landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The direct application process via email is a critical detail. Applicants must ensure they are sending their materials to the correct address and including all requested components. The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical audit skills and the ability to operate effectively within a public governance structure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency required for Word (reporting), Excel (data analysis, modeling, reconciliation), Outlook (communication), and PowerPoint (presentations).

• Audit Management Software: While not explicitly named, expect to use or be trained on audit management platforms for workpaper documentation, issue tracking, and reporting. Familiarity with common platforms like TeamMate, AuditBoard, or similar would be beneficial.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis. This could include advanced Excel functions (PivotTables, VLOOKUPs, Power Query), SQL, or specialized data analytics software (e.g., ACL, IDEA).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced use of Excel for financial modeling, data validation, and generating reports.

• Database Tools: Familiarity with databases and SQL for data extraction and querying may be beneficial for complex data analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating clear and concise reports and potentially dashboards to communicate audit findings to various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how financial and operational data is managed within university systems is key.

• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems common in large organizations (e.g., SAP, Oracle) could be advantageous for understanding data sources.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong Excel skills are non-negotiable. The ability to perform advanced data analysis using Excel or dedicated tools is crucial for a senior auditor role, especially when dealing with complex financial and operational data from a large institution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Objectivity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and providing unbiased assessments are paramount in internal audit.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of competence, diligence, and respect in all interactions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with audit colleagues and university staff to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to enhancing personal skills and contributing to the ongoing refinement of audit processes and organizational controls.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of audit responsibilities and ensuring timely and accurate delivery of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership with Management: The office aims to partner with management to enhance value, meaning audits are conducted collaboratively, focusing on solutions rather than just findings.

• Clear Communication: Emphasis on transparent and professional communication with all stakeholders, ensuring understanding of audit objectives, processes, and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and expertise among audit team members to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About the Office of Internal Audit" section highlights a key value: "We partner with management to enhance and protect organizational value." This suggests a collaborative and constructive approach to auditing, rather than an adversarial one.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Organizations: The Iowa Board of Regents oversees multiple large institutions, each with its own unique operations, policies, and culture. Adapting audit approaches to these diverse environments can be challenging.

• Data Volume and Complexity: Analyzing vast amounts of financial and operational data from different systems requires robust analytical skills and efficient tools.

• Resource Constraints: Like many internal audit departments, there may be pressure to achieve significant audit coverage with limited resources, requiring effective prioritization and time management.

• Management Buy-in: Ensuring timely implementation of audit recommendations can sometimes be challenging, requiring strong communication and follow-up skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Auditing Techniques: Exposure to a wide array of audit types (financial, operational, IT, compliance) provides continuous learning opportunities.

• Higher Education Sector Expertise: Deepen knowledge of the specific risks, regulations, and operational nuances of public university systems.

• Professional Certifications: Support for maintaining and potentially pursuing advanced certifications, which are critical for career advancement.

• Mentorship: Direct reporting to a Chief Audit Executive offers excellent opportunities for mentorship and guidance on career development within the audit profession.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section focuses on the complexities inherent in auditing large, multi-faceted public institutions. The "Growth Opportunities" highlight the extensive learning potential due to the broad scope of work and direct mentorship available.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex audit you led. What was your approach to planning, execution, and reporting? What was the outcome?" (Focus on methodology, risk assessment, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach assessing internal controls in a new or unfamiliar process?" (Demonstrate your understanding of control frameworks like COSO and your systematic evaluation process.)

• "Imagine you discover a significant financial discrepancy or control weakness that management is reluctant to address. How would you handle this situation?" (Showcase your communication skills, assertiveness, and understanding of escalation protocols.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the Iowa Board of Regents and its mission?" (Research the Board's role, its institutions, and its strategic goals.)

• "How do you see your role as a Senior Auditor contributing to the overall governance and efficiency of Iowa's public universities?" (Connect your skills to the Board's objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your examples: For each case study, clearly outline:

  1. Background/Context: The department or process audited, its purpose.
  2. Objective: What the audit aimed to achieve.
  3. Scope: What areas were covered.
  4. Methodology: How you gathered information (interviews, data analysis, testing).
  5. Key Findings/Risks: What issues were identified.
  6. Recommendations: Specific, actionable steps proposed.
  7. Outcome/Impact: The result of your recommendations or the audit itself (quantifiable if possible).

• Be ready to discuss data: If you mention data analysis, be prepared to explain the types of data used, the tools employed, and the insights derived.

• Highlight certifications: Be prepared to discuss how your CPA/CIA/CMA/CISA knowledge informs your audit approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize your ability to communicate complex findings clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences. The interview will assess not only your technical audit skills but also your professional demeanor and ability to navigate the governance structure of public higher education.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Direct Email Application: Submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references directly to Chad Sharp at chad.sharp@iowaregents.edu.

Do not apply through the University of Northern Iowa's job portal for this specific role.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with internal auditing, financial analysis, risk assessment, internal controls, and compliance, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your interest in this specific role with the Iowa Board of Regents, articulate how your qualifications align with the requirements (especially your certification), and briefly explain your understanding of the public university system's operational context.

• Prepare for Case Study Discussion: Be ready to discuss specific audit projects from your past experience in detail, focusing on your process, findings, and the impact of your recommendations. Consider preparing a brief presentation of a key case study.

• Research the Board of Regents: Familiarize yourself with the mission, institutions, and governance structure of the Iowa Board of Regents. Understand the unique operational and regulatory environment of public higher education.

⚠️ 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 is crucial for this role.