ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, AUDIT QUALITY ASSURANCE - HYBRID

Department Overview

The Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Audit Services (ECAS) is located at the systemwide University of California Office of the President (UCOP). It is an independent Regental office that is responsible for developing and administering the University of California's (UC) compliance and audit programs and thereby ensuring that the University is in compliance with professional standards; internal policies and procedures; and all applicable local, national and international laws and regulations. ECAS provides this support through three core lines of service: Audit Services, Compliance Services and Investigations Services. The Audit Services Office within ECAS is responsible for the systemwide internal audit program (audits, investigations and advisory services) and for the internal audit program at UCOP. The Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance and Audit Officer (SVP) is the Principal Officer of the Board of Regents of the University of California. The SVP provides communication and updates to the Regents through the Board's Compliance and Audit Committee or the full Board if required.

Position Summary

This position plays a critical role in strengthening the effectiveness, consistency and quality of the University system's internal audit function. The position is responsible for overseeing and performing quality assurance reviews of systemwide internal audit activities to assess compliance with professional standards, UC's internal audit requirements, and leading practices across a complex and multi-campus environment. The position leads the establishment of operational objectives and work plans for the systemwide quality assurance program, and both performs and delegates assignments to subordinate managers and professional staff. The Associate Director of Audit Quality Assurance leads the quality assurance and improvement program for the University of California's internal audit function. This position is responsible for reviewing internal audit work for compliance with professional standards and UC's internal audit requirements, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, supporting external quality assessments, developing quality metrics, and delivering training and coaching to internal audit staff on best practices. Please note this is a hybrid position, located in Oakland, CA.

Key Responsibilities

25% - Designs, implements and oversees the internal audit quality assurance program for the University, including oversight of the development and maintenance of program structure, planning, guidance, use of tools and technology, performance metrics, and reporting. Prepares an annual quality assurance plan based on a defined quality assurance methodology.

10% - Manages internal audit quality assurance activities through subordinate managers and professional staff. Advises on financial, human resources, IT and other operational issues within the internal audit quality assurance area.

30% - Through subordinate managers and professional staff, oversees and conducts ongoing and periodic quality reviews of internal audit engagements’ workpapers, reports and supporting documentation. Assesses compliance with the internal audit professional standards, and the University’s Internal Audit Manual. Promotes consistent application of internal audit standards and methodology across the UC system. Through subordinate managers or professional staff, communicates quality review results to stakeholders. Through subordinate managers or professional staff, ensures all quality assurance follow-up activities are completed. Provides coordination and support to campus / lab local oversight committee, including requirements specified in the Internal Audit Manual. Partners with campus Internal Audit Directors to strengthen the quality of internal audit engagements based on leading practices. Coordinates preparation for external quality assessments and assists in responding to recommendations arising from those reviews. Assists in strategic planning related to quality, efficiency, and service delivery. Maintains and models a “tone from the top” that promotes the highest professional and ethical standards and expectations.

20% - Oversees the development and delivery of training to UC internal audit staff on internal audit standards, quality expectations, methodology updates and best practices. Keeps abreast of new developments in the internal audit profession such as new standards and frameworks. Disseminates information to UC internal audit departments. Assists in maintaining and enhancing the Internal Audit Manual, audit management system, templates, tools and quality review procedures. Assesses and recommends improvements to internal audit processes, documentation standards, report quality and risk assessment practices. Supports special projects and strategic initiatives related to internal audit quality and continuous improvement.

10% - Maintains awareness of and advises on areas of high institutional risk and matters related to University governance. Advises UC internal audit departments on annual risk assessment to ensure consistency and appropriate integration of identified systemwide risks.

5% - Participates in the selection, development and evaluation of staff to ensure the efficient operation of the internal audit quality assurance function. Establishes and maintains an environment that fosters professional development, teamwork, initiative and creativity as well as consistency with the University's Statement on Ethical Values.

Experience

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum 5 years Internal or operational audit experience

Minimum 5 years’ experience conducting internal audit quality assurance activities and maintaining internal audit methodologies

Skills And Abilities

Required Qualifications

Advanced knowledge of the internal audit profession, including professional standards, internal control concepts, risk-based auditing, quality assurance and improvement program requirements, audit documentation, reporting practices, and professional ethics.

Ability to design, manage, and improve an internal audit quality assurance program, including review of methodology, annual planning, criteria, metrics, reporting, and follow-up.

Ability to both conduct and oversee quality assurance reviews of internal audit engagements, including planning, risk assessment, scope, testing, evidence, workpapers, supervision, reporting, issue development, and conformance with standards.

Ability to communicate technical audit standards, quality review results, methodology expectations, and improvement opportunities clearly and effectively to audit professionals, senior leaders, and other stakeholders.

Interpersonal, consultation, and relationship-management skills to collaborate with audit leaders and staff across a complex, multi-location organization; build agreement on quality expectations; and promote consistent audit practices.

Analytical and professional judgment skills to assess complex audit work, identify quality and consistency issues, evaluate root causes, and develop practical, risk-based recommendations.

Leadership and management skills to supervise, coach, and develop managers and professional staff; assign and review work; set priorities; manage performance; and foster teamwork, accountability, professional development, and ethical conduct.

Project and program management skills to coordinate quality reviews, training initiatives, methodology updates, external quality assessment preparation, and continuous improvement projects while meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities.

Ability to develop, interpret, implement, and maintain audit policies, procedures, manuals, templates, tools, and guidance that support consistent, high-quality internal audit practices.

Knowledge of audit management systems, electronic workpaper tools, reporting platforms, and productivity applications used for quality reviews, documentation, issue tracking, metrics, reporting, and knowledge sharing.

Knowledge of higher education, academic medical center, research, public sector, or similarly complex governance, compliance, financial, operational, information technology, and administrative environments.

Ability to develop and deliver training, coaching, and technical guidance to internal audit professionals on audit standards, quality expectations, methodology changes, workpaper documentation, report writing, issue development, and leading practices.

Education

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Licenses and Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

CIA, CISA, CPA or other relevant certification preferred.

Travel Requirements

10% Travel to Campuses

Job Title

Audit Manager 2

Job Code

000680

Salary Grade

Grade 27

Payscale

$170,000.00 to $205,000.00

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is August 5, 2026 . If needed, add: The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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