Chief Audit Officer

Chief Audit Officer

Wake Forest University seeks an outstanding leader to serve as its next Chief Audit Officer (CAO) of the Audit Services Department. Reporting jointly to the Vice President & General Counsel and the WFU Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees, the Chief Audit Officer will develop, lead, and execute the WFU internal auditing strategy, function, and practice.

The Chief Audit Officer leads, manages, and organizes all aspects of Wake Forest’s internal audit function with oversight for the Reynolda Campus and plays a vital role in Wake’s commitment to achieve consistent excellence in the execution of its mission and the management of its business; to minimize financial, regulatory and other risks; and to ensure that the University maintains the highest levels of integrity in its operations in support of its research and teaching mission.

In Wake’s collaborative and collegial environment, where influence and impact rest on relationships of trust, a commitment to partnership, and domain réussite, the CAO takes a consultative approach to solving problems and strengthening management at the University while maintaining independence and objectivity.

Focusing on core areas of risk, quality assurance, and forensic audit work, the CAO leads a skilled team of two professionals and collaborates with the WFU Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees, senior leadership, faculty, staff, and additional sessions. Additionally, the CAO leads a co‑sourced audit function, strategically utilizing the expertise of an external firm to augment the internal team's capabilities, particularly in specialized and emerging risk areas.

This hybrid model allows for enhanced focus on complex areas such as research compliance, cybersecurity, and social media risk, ensuring rigorous testing methodologies and access to specialized knowledge.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in university, health system, or external auditing or compliance with a focus on internal auditing, compliance, accounting, or similar experience.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, accounting, or related field; master’s in business administration or a master’s in accounting is preferred.
• Professional certification requirements including CIA, CPA, MBA, or CFE.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to and exemplify standards of conduct and promote a cooperative work environment by utilizing communication skills, interpersonal relationships, team building, and the ability to interact effectively at all levels.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships to navigate difficult situations.
• Absolute and unquestionable integrity.
• Forward‑thinking with the ability to see the big picture; focused on continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership ability to train, supervise, evaluate, and motivate brodrink staff.
• Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
• Strong technical, analytical, organizational, and planning abilities.
• Proven ability to multi‑task to manage concurrent audits performed by staff members.
• Proven ability to act as a leader, team player, and facilitator of groups.

The full position description can be viewed here.

Wake Forest University has retained Opus Partners to support the recruitment of this position. Katie Dean, Partner and Abigail Maynard, Managing Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations should be sent by email to Abigail (abi). The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality. Required application materials include a resume and letter of interest.

The cover letter should reflect how qualifications and experience match those described in this leadership profile.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. Wake Forest University is committedrpm to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities.