|
Chief Audit Executive
Position Description The Chief Audit Executive (CAE) is a trusted advisor to the Board of Regents and the Chancellor, serving as a servant leader and the chief steward of integrity, accountability, and transparency across the Texas Tech University System (TTUS). Reporting functionally to the Board through the Audit Committee and administratively to the Chancellor, the CAE leads a high-performing Office of Audit Services that provides independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, and advisory services designed to add value, manage risk, and enhance operational effectiveness.
The CAE plays a strategic and collaborative role in helping TTUS's component institutions achieve their missions by anticipating risk, identifying vulnerabilities, and enabling effective management and governance. The CAE must be a forward-thinking leader who brings not only technical expertise but also credibility, collaboration, and excellent judgment. About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. Major/Essential Functions Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership
* Serves as the principal advisor to the Audit Committee, Board of Regents, Chancellor and TTUS on internal audit, risk management, governance, control, compliance, and management matters.
* Builds trusted relationships with regents, the Chancellor, system executives, institutional presidents, university administration and key stakeholders to support risk-informed decision-making.
* Keeps the Audit Committee, Chancellor and TTUS informed of significant risks, emerging issues, and innovations in the audit profession and higher education.
Audit Strategy & Execution
* Develops, implements, and leads a dynamic, risk-based audit strategy that supports and aligned with the system's strategic goals.
* Designs and presents an annual audit plan for approval by the Audit Committee; oversees its execution and proactively communicates progress, findings, and resource needs to TTUS and university leadership throughout the year.
* Ensures continuous evaluation of audit methodologies, integrating advanced tools such as data analytics, predictive indicators, and AI-assisted audit capabilities.
Risk & Controls
* Supports and enhances system-wide risk management with the Risk & Compliance Officer and compliance officer at each component institution.
* Advises on new or evolving services, systems, initiatives or compliance matters-including IT, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and compliance risk.
* Monitors and reports on management's response to audit recommendations and the status of management's action plans.
Investigations & Integrity
* Oversees investigations involving fraud, waste or abuse, and supports other investigations involving audit-related misconduct in partnership with respective areas.
* Ensures proper audit-related reporting of suspected audit-related irregularities to appropriate authorities, in support of compliance with state laws, system regulations and university policies.
* Escalates issues to the Audit Committee when residual risk is deemed unacceptable.
Stakeholder Collaboration
* Maintains effective coordination and collaboration with the Chancellor, institutional presidents, General Counsel, compliance offices, campus police, the State Auditor's Office, and external auditors to avoid duplication and enhance oversight.
* Coordinates risk assessment and compliance-related activities with the Chief Compliance Officer for each institutional component.
* Provides advisory services, training, and internal consultation to help leaders strengthen internal processes and controls.
Talent & Team Development
* Leads and develops a team of audit professionals who demonstrate the highest standards of ethics, performance, and professional growth.
* Ensures the department maintains current knowledge and certifications relevant to internal audit, risk, and higher education.
* Fosters a culture of support, collaboration, and continuous improvement through servant leadership.
Compliance & Reporting
* Ensures compliance with the Texas Internal Auditing Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 2102) and follows the Institute of Internal Auditors (2024) Global Internal Auditing Standards, generally accepted government auditing standards, and other regulatory requirements.
* Prepares and submits required reports to the Board, Chancellor, State Auditor, Governor, and external agencies, in compliance with state and federal statutes.
* Establishes a robust internal quality assurance and improvement program to maintain high audit standards in coordination with the Chancellor and institutional presidents. Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in accounting, business, law, public policy, or related field preferred.
* Credentialing as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) required; Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or equivalent professional certification also preferred.
* Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in audit, enterprise risk management, financial controls, or regulatory oversight-with at least 3 years of auditing experience and 5 years in a leadership role.
* Prior experience reporting directly to a governing board or audit committee is highly desirable.
* Deep understanding of governmental regulations, higher education governance, and enterprise risk management practices.
The next CAE will be a seasoned, strategic, and ethical audit leader who:
* Leads with humility, courage, and transparency and embodies the TTUS's core values and culture.
* Embraces innovation in risk assessment, internal controls, and data-informed auditing, and stays ahead of emerging risks, including cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and financial pressures.
* Brings experience from higher education, corporate, government, healthcare, or other complex sectors, with the ability to translate industry best practices to a public university system setting.
* Demonstrates impeccable integrity, objectivity, and communication skills, including the ability to deliver hard truths constructively and impartially.
* Has the presence, discretion, and judgment to navigate a political and public-facing environment, and operates from a place of understanding.
* Is viewed as a valued advisor, not just a monitor-offering insights that help the organization grow stronger, not just identify problems.
* Embraces a servant leader philosophy that builds collaborative partnerships with individuals at all levels, including subject matter experts to ensure effective audits.
* Can operate confidently, confidentially, and transparently in board-level conversations, offering both assurance, honesty, and professional courage. Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? No Special Instructions to Applicants NOMINATIONS AND EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Anthem Executive will be assisting the Texas Tech University System and Board with this comprehensive search. To express interest, you are requested to submit the following:
* A letter of interest stating how your experience is applicable to the position and its opportunities, responsibilities, and requirements expressed in the leadership profile;
* A curriculum vitae or resume; and
* Up to five professional references with email addresses and telephone numbers. (References will not be contacted without your prior authorization.)
While letters of interest may be accepted until the position is filled, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to assure full consideration. Anthem and TTUS reserve the right to end or extend the expression of interest, application, and nomination process at any time. Expressing interest is the first step in receiving consideration and does not make one an applicant for the position.
Materials should be submitted electronically to:
SystemCAE@AnthemExecutive.com Required Attachments Resume / CV Minimum Hire Rate salary commensurate with related education, experience and/or skills Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan. Air Force Specialty Code 36PX Army Military Occupational Specialty Code 270A Marine Military Occupational Specialty Code O101 Navy Enlisted Classification Code 641 EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran. |
Texas Tech University
Sep 04, 2025