Chief Internal Auditor

26-CIA

NITA is seeking to fill a critical role with the newly formed Chief Internal Auditor position for the Legal and Administration department. The incumbent will report directly to the NITA Board of Directors, with a dotted line to the Executive Director. The individual will serve for a term of five (5) years and may be reappointed for one or more subsequent terms by the NITA Board of Directors. The Chief Internal Auditor provides independent, objective oversight of NITA and the Service Board's (Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace) governance, operations, and financial integrity. This role leads all internal audit functions to ensure strong internal controls, adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, and improved organizational effectiveness. The Chief Internal Auditor also advises the Board of Directors on risks, audit findings, and recommended actions that strengthen accountability and performance across NITA and the Service Boards.

NITA sets regional fares, service standards, and schedules across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace; plans and funds regional capital investment; and oversees the performance and finances of the three Service Boards serving riders across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

As of September 1, 2026, NITA has expanded authority under Public Act 104-0457. People who join NITA now will help build the systems, policies, and partnerships that shape regional transit for years to come.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Direct the internal audit functions and activities of the Authority, including conducting operational, financial, compliance, performance, information technology, and special audits to determine the adequacy of the Authority's systems of internal control and ensure compliance with Authority and State requirements.
• Prepare audit reports and assess program goals, including making recommendations leading to compliance, reduced operating costs, improved services, and greater general efficiency and effectiveness in existing Authority operations.
• Prepare an annual audit plan for submission to, and subject to the approval of, the Board of the Authority.
• Follow-up on findings from internal and external audits to determine if appropriate remedial action has been taken.
• Coordinate external audit requests and report responses to be completed by Authority management.
• Refer possible violations of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act to the appropriate Executive Inspector General.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the office of Illinois Auditor General in conducting the performance audit for NITA and SB every five (5) years.
• Execute required financial, compliance, and attestation audits for all Authority agencies, following generally accepted government auditing standards, including the FTA Triennial Review.
• Conduct audits on an as needed basis, including targeted assessments of management efficiency, cost-effectiveness, program standards, or statutory requirements.

Other Key Accountabilities:

• Provide consultation to Agency departments on the development of policies and procedures designed to implement federal, state, and other grants to ensure compliance with their requirements.
• Develop, direct, coordinate and monitor the overall operation of the Audit Division, and any Audit staff, in accordance with goals and objectives of the RTA. Provide strategic direction and leadership on critical issues.
• Collaborate with NITA board to ensure the Agency and Audit's goals are aligned/meeting the Authority's current needs. Proactively communicate findings and recommendations to board members to ensure the board is making effective decisions.
• Build and lead the audit team, establishing a new strategic direction in alignment with the NITA Act. Develop and implement innovative processes, regularly collaborating with Service Boards to review and refine operational effectiveness.
• Foster a work culture that's focused on achieving measurable objectives by coaching staff, strengthening interagency relationships, and supporting your team. Supports the Agency's Equal Employment Opportunity policies, goals, and objectives.
• Perform other duties and assist in special projects as required or assigned.

The ideal candidate must have the following:

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Auditing, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) required.
• Additional credentials in public-sector compliance or risk management are desirable.
• More than ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience focused on auditing, financial analysis, accounting, operational analysis, including negotiations and consensus building in a project team environment.
• Must have a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated supervisory/management experience.
• Experience working with federal and state grant programs, transit oversight structures, or multi-agency governance preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential information required.

Skills:

• Strategic leadership: Capable of setting clear vision and direction, motivating teams, and guiding complex initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
• Advanced Data Analytics: Expertise in computer-assisted audit techniques, data visualization tools, and automating audit functions.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to build strong, trust-based working relationships. Skilled at aligning stakeholders with differing priorities.
• Communication: Expertise in distilling complex information into clear, actionable insights. Ability to present difficult findings tactfully while maintaining credibility and independence.

Employment Requirements (while serving 5-year term as Chief Internal Auditor):

• May not hold any other type of employment, elected office, or public office, except for appointments on governmental advisory boards or study commissions or as otherwise expressly authorized by law.
• May not become a candidate for elective public office.
• May not be actively involved in the affairs of any political party.
• May not have actively participated in any political campaign relating to a referendum or public question concerning the Constitution, the government of the State or any local or private agency audited by NITA's Chief Internal Auditor during the preceding 4 years before being hired.
• May not hold any legal, equitable, creditor, or debt interest in any partnership, firm, or other entity which contracts with NITA.
• May not have any direct or indirect financial or economic interest in the transactions of NITA audited by the Chief Internal Auditor during the Chief Internal Auditor's term or tenure; except that written disclosure of any such interest to the Board and formal disqualification from participation in any post audit involving that transaction may, with the approval of the Board, constitute compliance with this requirement if the interest is either insubstantial or results directly from an interest held before becoming Chief Internal Auditor.
• May not conduct or supervise a post audit of any outside agency or vendor for which the Chief Internal Auditor was responsible or by which they were employed or with which they contracted during the preceding 4 years before being hired.
• May not make or report publicly any charges of nonfeasance or malfeasance in the office of any public official or illegal conduct of any person unless the Chief Internal Auditor knows of reasonable grounds, based on accepted auditing and accounting standards, for the charges.

NITA offers a highly competitive benefits package:

• Pension plan or 401(k) salary match provided by NITA at no cost to you
• 401(k) and/or 457 plan options
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Transit benefits to support your commute
• Twelve paid holidays and one floating holiday
• Competitive personal leave package
• Parental leave
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/AD&D Insurance/Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discount
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Employee Assistance Program

This role typically offers salaries near $187,068 and NITA offers competitive salaries with the possibility of a higher offer for highly qualified candidates.

To apply online: Select Login and within the drop-down box, "Login" to your account or create an account by selecting "Register."

For assistance during your application process (e.g., password login, errors, attaching documents), please contact us at: humanresources@nita.illinois.gov.