Director, Assurance and Advisory

**Job Description**:
**About the Department**:
The Assurance and Advisory department provides independent, objective, and risk-based assurance and advisory services to support Mount Royal University’s governance, risk management, internal audit, and control processes. The department supports both executive leadership and the Board of Governors by evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of key operational and strategic controls.

**About the Role**:
The Director, Assurance and Advisory reports functionally to the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) of Mount Royal University's Board of Governors and administratively to the Vice President, Finance and Administration. The Assurance and Advisory function assists the University in accomplishing its strategic and operational objectives from an internal auditing perspective by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of MRU’s governance, control, and risk management processes.

As the internal audit lead for the institution, this position is responsible for design, development and delivery of an annual audit plan within a broader three-year institutional audit program; reporting updates and outcomes at each meeting of the ARC. The audit program is required to reflect and deploy current technology, data analytics and industry best practices including engagement across operations to mitigate risk and increase both efficiency and efficacy of processes and internal controls across the University. The Director, Assurance and Advisory engages with leadership across the institution in development of specific audit programs and annual plans.

As a co-source model, this position engages with guest auditors from across the institution and may involve collaboration on initiatives with other Alberta based Post-Secondary Institutions, the Alberta Office of the Auditor General as well as external firms where necessary.

**Responsibilities**:
The Director, Assurance and Advisory is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the internal audit function and services, in support of the ARC’s oversight of internal audit. Specifically, the Director, Assurance and Advisory will:

- Lead the practice and function of internal audit requirements for the University as outlined in MRU’s Internal Audit Charter, working collaboratively with leadership and in particular those areas responsible for institutional controls and risk management, to strengthen institutional operations, structures, processes, and culture to facilitate achievement of the University’s mandate, strategic plans, and objectives.
- Develop and present an annual risk-based plan that is connected to a three-year strategy to ARC for review and approval; implementing the approved plan, including, as appropriate, any special tasks or projects requested by management and/or the ARC, and ensuring significant changes to the audit plan are presented to the ARC for review and approval.
- Track and report progress on the implementation of audit recommendations to the ARC, including reporting significant findings related to University processes of risk management, control, and governance.
- As directed by MRU’s Office of General Counsel and University Secretariat, investigate disclosures of wrongdoings made in good faith to the University, and coordinate such investigation within the University, notifying respective executive management and the ARC of the results in accordance with University policies as appropriate.
- Ensuring internal audit work is completed in conformance with the International Professional Practices Framework issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors including the Code of Ethics of the Institute of Internal Auditors. In addition, Internal Audit will adhere to all University policies and procedures.
- Present an Assurance and Advisory annual budget to the ARC on an annual basis for review and approval.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:

- Possess a CPA, (CA, CMA or CGA) designation, and/or equivalent audit-related designations (CISA, CIA, CCSA)
- Minimum 7-10 years' experience managing an audit function in a complex organization.
- Experience working with senior management and audit committees.
- Understand internal control frameworks, risk management assessments and governance frameworks.
- Be a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
- Employ sound judgment in balancing the needs of the organization with the expectations of the position.
- Employ a strategic approach to the delivery of services.
- Ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Employ effective negotiation skills.
- Be proficient in systems and technology employed in a modern office environment and specifically audit function.
- Knowledge of post-secondary governance structures, controls and risk management processes are a benefit.

**Salary**:$128,011.00 - $176,654.00