UI Staff Auditor - Iowa Board of Regents

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Staff 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 / Operations Oversight

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: 1-3 Years (Entry to Mid-Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and compliance across the Iowa Board of Regents' institutions by conducting thorough internal audits.

• It involves a deep dive into business processes, identifying control gaps, and recommending actionable improvements to enhance organizational value.

• The position requires strong analytical skills to gather and interpret data, map complex workflows, and articulate findings clearly to senior leadership.

• As an Iowa Board of Regents position, it offers a unique opportunity to impact public education governance and contribute to a robust risk management framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description indicates the position is with the University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation but explicitly states it's an "Iowa Board of Regents position" and directs applicants to apply directly via email to chad.sharp@iowaregents.edu. The primary reporting structure is to the Board's Chief Audit Executive, with location specified as the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, and eligible for a hybrid work model. This suggests the "University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation" might be the administrative entity posting, but the core function and reporting are within the Board of Regents' internal audit function. The role is classified as "Professional & Scientific."

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document a variety of internal audits, focusing on operational and business processes across the Board of Regents' institutions.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, assessing adherence to policies, regulations, and best practices.

• Identify and analyze areas of process risk, inefficiencies, and non-compliance, translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Develop detailed process maps to visualize workflows, identify control deficiencies, and pinpoint opportunities for operational enhancement.

• Conduct follow-up reviews to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of management's corrective actions and ensure sustained improvements.

• Communicate audit findings, risks, and recommendations clearly and concisely to senior management and institutional leaders.

• Prepare comprehensive audit reports that add value by highlighting key insights and suggesting practical solutions for operational challenges.

• Collaborate with auditees to foster a proactive approach to risk management and control implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are outlined, specific emphasis should be placed on the "value-added recommendations for improvements to senior leaders on campus" and the ability to "map out processes to define gaps in internal controls and/or efficiencies." This indicates a more consultative and strategic approach to internal auditing rather than purely compliance-driven.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of applicable experience in internal audit, external audit, or a closely related operational oversight role.

Required Skills:

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

• Process Mapping: Proficiency in mapping business processes to understand workflows, identify control points, and pinpoint inefficiencies.

• Data Analysis: Experience with data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes to support audit findings.

• Professional Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating complex information to diverse audiences.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage audit projects effectively, meet deadlines, and coordinate tasks.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Sufficient knowledge and ability to utilize Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

Preferred Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of internal audit processes and methodologies.

• Basic proficiency in applying organizational acumen to identify key success factors.

• Knowledge of healthcare operational processes (as indicated in desired qualifications, though the role is broader).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Professional & Scientific job classification" implies a need for strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills beyond basic auditing. The requirement for "organizational acumen" suggests the candidate should understand how different departments and processes interact within a large educational institution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Showcase examples of processes analyzed, inefficiencies identified, and improvements implemented, detailing the impact on controls, efficiency, or compliance.

• Audit Documentation Samples: Present anonymized examples of audit plans, workpapers, or reports that demonstrate methodical audit execution and clear documentation practices.

• Risk Assessment Frameworks: Illustrate understanding of how risks are identified, assessed, and managed within business processes.

• Data Analysis Demonstrations: Include examples of how data was used to support audit findings or identify trends (e.g., basic Excel analysis, pivot tables, data visualization if applicable).

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate the ability to create clear and concise process documentation, including flowcharts and narratives, that accurately reflect current state operations and proposed future states.

• Showcase experience in documenting internal control frameworks and assessing their design and operational effectiveness.

• Provide examples of how audit findings and recommendations are formally documented and tracked through to resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an auditor role, a portfolio should emphasize analytical rigor, documentation quality, and the ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations. Given the hybrid work model and focus on process evaluation, showcasing proficiency in digital documentation tools and virtual collaboration methods would be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $55,000 - $70,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan (details not specified, but typical for public institutions).

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and potential for certification support.

• Eligibility for a hybrid work model, offering flexibility.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work model allows for flexibility in structuring workdays, balancing remote work with on-site collaboration as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range of $55,000-$70,000 aligns with entry-level to junior auditor roles in the Midwest, particularly for public institutions. The cost of living in Iowa is noted as lower than many other states, justifying this range. The "excellent benefits" mentioned are common for public sector roles and would typically include robust health coverage and retirement plans.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education Governance / Public Sector. The Iowa Board of Regents oversees three public universities, impacting a significant sector of public service and education.

Company Size: The Iowa Board of Regents governs institutions with tens of thousands of employees and students collectively. The Office of Internal Audit itself is likely a smaller, specialized team within this larger structure.

Founded: The Iowa Board of Regents was established by law to govern the state's public universities, with its current structure evolving over time to ensure coordinated oversight.

Team Structure:

• The Staff Auditor reports directly to the Chief Audit Executive of the Iowa Board of Regents.

• The Office of Internal Audit operates independently and objectively, serving as a consulting and assurance activity.

Methodology:

• The Office of Internal Audit employs a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate risk management, control, and governance processes.

• Emphasis is placed on adding value and improving operations through independent and objective assessments.

• Data-driven analysis and process evaluation are core to identifying operational efficiencies and control enhancements.

Company Website: https://www.iowaregents.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely one of public service, accountability, and continuous improvement, driven by the mission of supporting higher education. As part of a governing board's internal audit function, the team prioritizes integrity, objectivity, and a commitment to enhancing institutional effectiveness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry to junior-level Staff Auditor role. It's designed for individuals with foundational knowledge in business processes and controls, offering a direct path to gain comprehensive internal audit experience.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Chief Audit Executive of the Iowa Board of Regents, providing direct exposure to high-level oversight and strategic audit planning.

Operations Impact: The Staff Auditor's work directly influences the integrity of operations, compliance, and resource management across Iowa's public universities. Recommendations can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, risk mitigation, and adherence to policies, thereby protecting institutional assets and enhancing educational delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop expertise in specific audit areas, such as IT audits, financial audits, or operational efficiency audits, potentially leading to specialized auditor roles.

• Professional Certification: Encouragement and potential support to obtain certifications like CPA, CIA, or CISA, which are critical for career advancement in the audit field.

• Leadership Progression: With experience, progression to Senior Auditor, Audit Manager, and eventually leadership positions within the Board of Regents' audit office or within the audit functions of the individual universities.

• Cross-Institutional Experience: Exposure to the unique operational challenges and best practices of multiple large public institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a foundational step in an internal audit career. Growth is expected through hands-on experience, professional development, and internal promotions within the Board of Regents' audit structure or its constituent universities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, with eligibility for a hybrid work model. This suggests a blend of on-site work for core team collaboration, meetings, and access to institutional resources, and remote work for focused analysis and documentation.

Office Location(s): Primarily at the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, Iowa.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is professional and collaborative, involving interaction with internal audit team members and stakeholders across various university departments.

• Access to standard office technology, including computers, software, and potentially specialized audit tools, will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, subject to team needs and audit project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of in-office and remote work, requiring strong self-management skills and the ability to maintain productivity in both settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter, with direct application via email to chad.sharp@iowaregents.edu.

• Skills Assessment: May involve a written exercise or case study to evaluate analytical, process mapping, and communication skills.

• Interviews: Typically includes interviews with the Chief Audit Executive and potentially other members of the audit team or relevant university leadership. Focus will be on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Reference Checks: Professional references will be contacted.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process Improvement: For each example, clearly articulate the process analyzed, the issues identified (controls, efficiency, compliance), the recommendations made, and the quantifiable or qualitative impact achieved.

• Demonstrate Analytical Rigor: Showcase your approach to data gathering, analysis, and how you drew conclusions to support your findings and recommendations. Use visual aids like process maps if possible.

• Professional Documentation: Ensure any portfolio samples are well-organized, clearly written, and professionally presented, demonstrating attention to detail. Anonymize sensitive information.

• Tailor to Audit: Focus on examples that showcase your ability to assess controls, identify risks, and propose solutions relevant to operational or financial processes within an educational or public sector context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to understanding complex business processes quickly.

• Anticipate questions about identifying internal control weaknesses and suggesting practical remedies.

• Practice explaining how you would use data to support an audit finding.

• Consider how you would communicate a critical finding to a senior leader in a way that is constructive and actionable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is unconventional, requiring direct email submission. Candidates should ensure their cover letter and resume are tailored to highlight the specific requirements of an internal auditor role within a public education governance structure, emphasizing process evaluation and risk management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily tasks, including Word (documentation), Excel (data analysis, reporting), PowerPoint (presentations), and Outlook (communication).

• Process Mapping Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or similar for creating process flowcharts.

• Audit Management Software: While not explicitly stated, experience with or ability to learn audit management systems (e.g., TeamMate, AuditBoard) is beneficial for managing audit workflows and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Advanced functions, pivot tables, and basic data analysis techniques are critical.

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with any data analytics platforms or BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus, though not strictly required at this level.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear, concise reports using standard office software.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this auditor role, but understanding how CRM and automation tools function within business processes can aid in evaluating their control environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and manipulation is paramount. The ability to learn and adapt to specific audit management software used by the Board of Regents will also be important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Objectivity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and providing unbiased assessments are foundational.

• Accuracy & Thoroughness: Commitment to detailed analysis and comprehensive documentation.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to enhance operational effectiveness, controls, and risk management practices across the institutions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with internal audit colleagues and university stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of conduct in all interactions and work products.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely fosters a collaborative environment where auditors share knowledge, best practices, and support each other on complex assignments.

• Effective communication and a willingness to engage constructively with auditees are key.

• The hybrid model necessitates proactive communication and coordination to ensure seamless teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is expected to be highly professional, emphasizing data-driven insights and a commitment to the public good through effective governance and oversight of educational institutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Diverse Institutions: Understanding and auditing a variety of operational processes across different university settings, each with unique structures and cultures.

• Balancing Workload: Managing multiple audit projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining audit quality.

• Driving Change: Effectively influencing stakeholders to adopt recommendations, especially when change management may be complex within large organizations.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying updated on evolving technologies and their impact on business processes and audit methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on advanced auditing techniques, risk assessment, and relevant technologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to learn from experienced auditors and the Chief Audit Executive, gaining insights into strategic audit planning and execution.

• Certification Support: Potential for financial assistance or study leave to pursue professional certifications (CPA, CIA, CISA).

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broad experience by auditing various departments and functions across multiple institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant learning curve, particularly for those new to internal auditing or the higher education sector. The challenges are balanced by substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to map a complex business process. What tools did you use, and what were the key challenges or findings?" (Focus on process mapping skills and analytical approach).

• "How would you approach auditing a department that is resistant to internal audits? What steps would you take to build rapport and gather information?" (Assess communication, interpersonal skills, and change management awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in internal auditing within the public education sector, specifically for the Iowa Board of Regents?" (Demonstrate understanding of the sector and motivation).

• "How do you stay current with auditing standards and best practices?" (Show commitment to professional development).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Select 2-3 strong examples that best showcase your skills in process analysis, risk identification, and recommendation development.

• Storytelling: For each example, clearly outline the situation, your action, and the result (STAR method). Emphasize the "value-added" aspect of your contribution.

• Visual Aids: If possible, use simple flowcharts or diagrams to illustrate process improvements or control structures.

• Metrics: Quantify the impact of your recommendations whenever possible (e.g., "reduced processing time by X%", "identified potential savings of $Y").

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak about specific examples that align with the core responsibilities of an auditor, such as evaluating controls, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending improvements. Demonstrating an understanding of the public sector and higher education context will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Direct Email Application: Do not apply through the provided Workday link. Instead, send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references directly to chad.sharp@iowaregents.edu.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with internal controls, risk assessment, process evaluation, data analysis, and professional communication. Tailor it to the "Staff Auditor" role and the Iowa Board of Regents.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Use your cover letter to express your understanding of the role's importance within the public education system, your relevant skills, and your motivation for pursuing this specific opportunity. Address it to Mr. Chad Sharp.

• Portfolio Preparation: Have relevant work samples (anonymized audit reports, process maps, analysis examples) ready to share if requested. Ensure they demonstrate your ability to add value through process improvement and control assessment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Iowa Board of Regents, its mission, and the three institutions it governs. Understand the general purpose and value of an internal audit function within such an organization.

⚠️ 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 application process requires direct email submission, deviating from standard online application portals.