Working Title: Chief Audit OfficerJob Class: Agency Internal Audit ManagerAgency: Pollution Control Agency
Job ID : 85068
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/24/2025
Closing Date : 04/14/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-Managerial
Division/Unit : Operations Division / Internal Audit and Advisory Services
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 30% of the time
Salary Range: $46.68 - $67.01 / hourly; $97,467 - $139,916 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato.The work you'll do is more than just a job.At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is responsible for leading the agency’s internal audit, risk management, and internal control functions to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Reporting administratively to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and functionally to the Senior Management Team (SMT), the CAO provides independent, objective assurance on the efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of MPCA’s financial, operational, and regulatory activities. This role oversees the development and execution of risk-based audit plans, financial and operational compliance reviews, internal control assessments, and investigative audits to evaluate governance structures, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend corrective actions that strengthen agency-wide controls. The CAO collaborates closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to develop the annual audit plan, oversees the execution of audits, and communicate key findings to leadership. The CAO is responsible for designing and implementing audit work plans that evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of MPCA’s operations. This includes directing risk-based audit engagements, ensuring alignment with state and federal regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and agency priorities. In addition to supervising and mentoring internal audit staff, providing professional development and strategic direction for the audit function, the CAO advises senior leadership and collaborates with external oversight bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA). By fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement, the CAO strengthens the agency’s internal control environment, enhances operational efficiencies, and safeguards public resources while ensuring MPCA fulfills its mission of environmental protection and regulatory compliance.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or other relevant business administration field of study.Three (3) years of progressive supervisory and/or managerial experience over an internal audit team.Professional experience in internal audit, risk management and/or compliance.Knowledge of auditing standards & internal Controls including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) principles, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards, and Internal Control Frameworks such as COSO, COBIT OR similar accounting and financial planning systems used in other government operations.ANDAbility in risk assessment methodologies, enterprise risk management (ERM), and fraud detection techniques to proactively identify vulnerabilities, assess control sufficiency, and mitigate risks affecting the agency.Working knowledge of federal audit requirements, federal legal compliance, and state government financial operations, including statewide accounting systems, internal cost accounting frameworks, and financial reporting necessary for oversight of the agency’s budget and funding sources.Working knowledge of IT governance, cybersecurity risks, and system controls, allowing for effective collaboration with IT auditors and evaluation of technology-driven risks within the agency’s operationsOral and written communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information through financial reporting, electronic forums, presentation, and/or discussion to a wide variety of audiences demonstrating command of engagement and effectively collaborating with diverse perspectives, cultures, identities, and professional approaches to business and leadership.Experience obtaining and handling sensitive and/or confidential information.Valid Class D Driver's License.The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.Preferred QualificationsAdvance study, knowledge and professional practice awareness of ecological economics (Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Systems Auditor, or Certified Management Accountant, license or related degree/certificationsAdvanced working knowledge of federal audit requirements and federal legal compliance considering the significant proportion of the Agency budget derived from various federal funding sources.Thorough knowledge of state government financial operations, the statewide accounting system and Agency’s various internal cost accounting systems as the basis for recording and controlling fiscal matters.Managerial skill in the ability to organize, plan, and direct auditing operations and make independent judgments for each area encountered.The ability to relate with people, both internal and external at all levels of the organization, is a critical human relations skill.Additional RequirementsA driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory driver’s license record check. Requires a Class D driver's license: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination does not exceed 26,000 pounds.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
Full-time