Internal Audit Director

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Job Summary

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is looking for a Director of Internal Audit that has a strong focus on relationship management, stakeholder and customer engagement and satisfaction, strategic partnership, process improvement, project management, and transformational change leadership qualities. We are looking for someone that champions operational excellence through continuous process improvement efforts that minimize financial & operational risks associated with business processes and information systems to better serve the needs of the agency and Minnesota taxpayers.

This leadership role provides strategic direction on all aspects of managing and directing the internal audit practices for the agency. This includes allocation of resources, tracking expenditures, and ensuring the division operates within its existing budget. This position will direct the agency's risk management and assessment, IT risk assessment coordination, and development of agency predictive analytics. It provides direction on internal audit activities to ensure the integrity of MPCA budget, taxpayer data, and required financial reporting is well maintained and that the agency's critical business policies and practices are well documented and consistently followed.

Incumbent will recommend operational audits, financial statement verifications, in addition to internal control and program assessments and lead the management of the inventory of internal audits to by developing an annual plan. Through consulting with divisions and agency leadership, they will identify risks, potential opportunities, mitigation practices and provide recommendations for strategic investments.

This position leads internal audit activities within the agency in a hybrid work environment that promotes mission-focused work and provides timely, accurate, and high-quality auditing services.
 

The Internal Audit Director is responsible for the design and direction of the MPCA internal audit function, which assesses the extent to which the agency’s risks are appropriately identified and managed; important financial, managerial, and operating information is accurate, reliable, and timely; resources are acquired economically, used efficiently and adequately protected; and significant legislative and regulatory issues impacting the Agency are recognized and addressed appropriately. The ideal incumbent is highly qualified with relevant experience to design the agency’s audit work plans and manage audit work, which is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the agency’s network of risk management, control, and governance processes. The Internal Audit Director works closely with the Commissioner’s Office and relevant management teams, advisory or regulatory committees and audit staff in the completion of projects in alignment with established agency and enterprise strategy and regulatory requirements, making decisions on unit budget, schedule, and staffing in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer.
 

Minimum Qualifications
This position requires strong skills in business processes and management, leadership, and communication to effectively reinforce an agency's commitment to strong internal controls. The ability to focus on quality, improvement effectiveness, and efficiency, and model independence, objectivity, ethics, and integrity is key.
 

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or other relevant business administration field of study and at least one of the following:
 

At least three (3) years of progressive and cross-functional supervisory experience mid to large size accounting, auditing and/or financial management operations with thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP. GASB, Government Accounting) and auditing standards (GAAS, GAGAS, IIA, Yellow Book, and Federal/State Audit Requirements), Standards for Internal Controls within State or Federal Government, and knowledge of state/federal laws and regulations pertaining to the processing of financial transactions OR
 

Five (5) years progressive and cross functional supervisory experience in state government operations including demonstrative experience in Statewide systems including: Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT), Budget Planning and Analysis System (BPAS), Information Access Warehouse (IA), and Statewide Employee Management (SEMA4) or similar accounting and financial planning systems used in other state government operations.
 

AND
 

Proven (verifiable) roles leading or providing consistent project management to professional staff requiring knowledge of personnel, training, and career path development policies and practices and experience engaging direct, supportive, and intentional feedback using established performance metrics and professional expectations.
Professional experience presenting periodic (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) and multi-year financial accounting and technical industry, and legal compliance information and requirements to various leadership levels for purposes of cultivating active high-quality engagement in objective, informed, data-based decision making across organization(s) and key partners in a timely manner.
 

Oral 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 Qualifications
Advance 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/certifications
 

Advanced working knowledge of federal audit requirements and federal legal compliance is essential 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 Requirements
A 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.

About Pollution Control Agency
Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions