Chief Audit Officer

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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The Audit Department reports to the Chief Audit Officer, who reports directly to Metra's Board of Directors and the CEO. The department is focused on operational, financial and compliance audits and the continuous review of money-handling at the highest levels of the agency. The department is committed to ensuring absolute transparency and proper conduct by all Metra employees.

Reporting to the Executive Director/CEO, the Chief Audit Officer will provide strategic direction and leadership to the Audit department; plan, direct, and coordinate daily operations and programs to ensure adequate internal controls are in place; ensure compliance with agency policies and procedures and governmental rules and regulations to assurance the agency is operating ethically, transparently and in accordance with established industry and municipal corporate governance standards.

This position is covered by the "Revolving Door" prohibition within the Stale Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which prohibits certain Maira employees (or their spouse or immediate family member) from accepting employment or compensation from a non-Metra employer for one year from the date of separation, if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the award of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer or if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the fiscal administration of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer.

Ethical Statement: The Chief Audit Officer ("CAO") will establish and manage Metra's audit function. The CAO will manage a staff in accordance with laws, ordinances, and generally accepted governmental auditing standards or other generally relevant standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Institute of Internal Auditors. Experience in business risk analysis and assessments, and an understanding of business processes and procedures of a government operating agency with revenues of $100 million or larger. The CAO under the oversight of the Executive Director/CEO and Metra Board of Directors will ensure the highest standards of municipal corporate governance and compliance. (S)He provides the Board of Directors with an independent appraisal of Metra's operations and controls, compliance with corporate policies and procedures. The CAO must be independent and highly ethical. The CAO under the direction of the Executive Director/CEO and Metra Board of Directors must take appropriate action to ensure the highest level of honesty and integrity by all Metra employees in performance of their duties, and in interactions with vendors, contractors, and third parties. Develop and implement a Code of Conduct for the Audit Department lo foster a high degree of ethics, diligence, and behavior.

The primary duties include: Lead and oversee the internal audit function, including audits and advisory activities that identify financial irregularities, operational inefficiencies, control deficiencies, compliance issues, safety concerns, and other organizational risks. Mentor staff and support professional development in auditing standards and practices. Develop and administer the annual risk-based audit plan, including internal control reviews, program evaluations, and business process assessments to enhance organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Establish and maintain internal control and risk management programs, departmental objectives, policies, procedures, and initiatives, including the Compliance Counts program. Ensure changes are effectively implemented and communicated. Oversee compliance risk assessments, investigations of reported or suspected violations, and the development of corrective action plans. Provide guidance on preventive and remedial measures to mitigate risk. Report audit results, significant risks, control issues, and compliance activities to the Board of Directors and executive leadership. Serve as the primary liaison with governmental agencies, external auditors, consultants, and other stakeholders. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, auditing, accounting, finance or related field OR in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in accounting, finance, and project management.
2. In addition to #1, must have at least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in auditing, financial or operational analysis, or accounting preferably In the railroad, transportation, or related industry.
3. Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of internal auditing and accounting principles, risk management and internal control practices, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Internal Audit Standards, and the COSO Internal Control Framework, including their application to organizational objectives, business processes, risks, and controls.
5. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and requirements applicable to public-sector organizations, including Federal Transit Administration (FTA), U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), public safety, procurement and contracting, human resources, public funding, grants administration, and financial management.
6. Knowledge of governmental accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, grants management, public-sector financial controls, and corporate governance principles, including the roles and responsibilities of governing boards, executive management, and internal audit functions.
7. Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly, influence decision-making, and build effective partnerships with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, management, regulators, and external stakeholders.
8. Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to direct audit, compliance, and risk management activities in accordance with professional standards, laws, regulations, policies, and organizational objectives.
9. Ability to develop, implement, and oversee audit programs, compliance initiatives, risk assessments, reports, presentations, and related communications.
10. Ability to exercise integrity, confidentiality, independence, objectivity, professional skepticism, and sound judgment in the performance of duties.
11. Ability to analyze complex issues, identify risks and control deficiencies, develop practical recommendations, and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
12. Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead cross-functional initiatives, and perform effectively in a complex, highly visible, and high-accountability environment.
13. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
14. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
15. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
16. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
17. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Experience leading audits or advisory engagements across multiple functional areas, such as finance, operations, information technology, procurement, human resources, capital programs, safety, and regulatory compliance.
2. A Master's degree in a related field.
3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Chartered Accountant, or other related certifications.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.