Job DescriptionYour Role & ImpactThe Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) is seeking a Director of Internal Audit to lead the organization's independent internal audit function and strengthen accountability, transparency, risk management, compliance, and operational effectiveness across the utility. This role is critical in evaluating internal controls, safeguarding public resources, identifying process improvement opportunities, and providing objective assurance and advisory services to executive leadership and governance stakeholders.
Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Board of Commissioners, senior leadership, external auditors, and internal stakeholders, this position develops and administers a comprehensive risk-based audit program. The Director provides executive-level audit reporting, recommends corrective actions, monitors follow-up activities, and promotes ethical stewardship of PWC resources.
Core Responsibilities Internal Audit, Risk & Compliance - Develop, recommend, and administer a comprehensive risk-based internal audit plan that evaluates financial, operational, compliance, information technology, and governance risks.
- Conduct enterprise-level risk assessments to identify areas of vulnerability, inefficiency, noncompliance, exposure, or control weakness.
- Evaluate internal controls designed to safeguard assets, support reliable financial reporting, promote operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
- Direct audits, reviews, investigations, and advisory engagements in accordance with internal audit standards, PWC policies, and professional practices.
- Assess compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, contractual obligations, Board directives, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Reporting, Advisory Services & Corrective Action
- Prepare and present audit reports that communicate objectives, scope, methodology, findings, risk ratings, recommendations, management responses, and corrective action plans.
- Provide independent advisory services to management regarding process improvements, risk mitigation strategies, internal control enhancements, and governance practices.
- Coordinate with external auditors, regulatory agencies, executive leadership, and other stakeholders to support audit activities, information requests, and follow-up actions.
- Monitor implementation of corrective actions and report status updates to appropriate leadership and governance bodies.
- Maintain current knowledge of auditing standards, governmental accounting practices, utility industry requirements, regulatory changes, and emerging risk areas.
Leadership & Department Management
- Plan, organize, assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of Internal Audit staff.
- Recruit, select, train, develop, coach, and mentor staff in accordance with PWC policies and procedures.
- Establish departmental goals, objectives, work plans, performance measures, staffing needs, and budget recommendations.
- Review audit work products for completeness, accuracy, quality, timeliness, and compliance with applicable professional standards.
- Promote a departmental culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Auditing, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in internal auditing, external auditing, financial analysis, compliance, enterprise risk management, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years of supervisory, management, or audit engagement leadership experience.
- Strong analytical, investigative, reporting, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain objectivity, and preserve confidentiality in sensitive matters.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related audit, financial, data analysis, or reporting software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Auditing, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
- Professional certification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or related certification.
- Experience in a public utility, governmental organization, regulated industry, or public sector environment.
- Experience preparing and presenting audit findings, risk assessments, or executive-level reports to governing boards, audit committees, or senior leadership.
What You'll Get
- A competitive compensation package.
- Relocation stipend for candidates moving to the Fayetteville region.
- The opportunity to lead an independent audit function that strengthens accountability, transparency, and operational excellence within a community-owned utility.
Health & Wellness Benefits:- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options.
- Group Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
- Wellness Program offering a monthly medical premium reduction.
- Onsite Gym and Onsite Medical Facility.
Retirement & Financial Benefits:
- Pension through the NC Local Government Employees' Retirement System.
- 401(k) Match Retirement Plan.
- 457 Plan for additional retirement savings.
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Grade 417 $119,148.11-$156,977.63/Exempt
