University Auditor / Chief Audit Executive

University Auditor / Chief Audit Executive

The Opportunity
Cornell University is a private university with a land-grant mission, a world-class research institution known for the breadth and rigor of its curricula, and an academy dedicated to preparing young people to be well-educated and well-rounded citizens of the world and is seeking their next University Auditor / Chief Audit Executive.

Reporting to the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee (ARCC) of the Board of Trustees, with administrative reporting to the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the CAE is a high-level independent executive with overall responsibility for the internal audit function and information technology audit programs, with a focus on adding value to and improving the institution’s operations by directing the Audit Office and supporting risk management and compliance across the university. S/he will assist the University in accomplishing its goals and objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to audit and risk, control and governance processes and also serves as an advisor to senior leaders throughout the organization. This is an exciting and major opportunity for the new CAE to continue to enhance the program started by the incumbent; the expectations and ambitions are broad and extensive. The next CAE will provide the necessary leadership to ensure that the function is aligned with the Audit Charter and that departmental resources are aligned and consistent with the organization’s objectives and governance structures.

Cornell seeks a collaborative leader with a distinguished record of outstanding accomplishments.  The ideal candidate will have proven seasoned leadership success across broad and decentralized environments of comparable size and complexity, and the energy and interest to work with all divisions of a major research university.  S/he will have solid technical skills and knowledge in the areas of financial reporting, taxes, and accounting along with strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills.  The next CAE must possess unassailable integrity, a focus on audit quality, strong intellectual curiosity, clearly apparent and demonstrated leadership abilities and proven communication and influencing skills.  This individual will have demonstrated ability to establish credibility with all constituencies – deans, faculty, staff, and students – based upon great integrity, critical thinking, outstanding operational performance, and excellent interpersonal skills and political savvy. The CAE is expected to have earned a degree in a relevant discipline.  A Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”) certification is strongly preferred.

Cornell has retained Korn Ferry, a national executive recruiting firm, to assist with this search. All nominations, inquiries, and application materials should be submitted in confidence to Korn Ferry.  Korn Ferry will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries for the position to the search firm at the contact information below:

Beau Lambert, Senior Client Partner
Ellen Williams, Senior Client Partner
Megan Maxwell, Senior Associate
Cornell specific email: CornellAudit@kornferry.com

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We’re an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.