Internal Audit Specialist

Definition Note: This is an open until filled position. However, interested, qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by the next closing review date of April 16, 2026. Applicants who apply after April 16, 2026 will be held for review, only as needed. (ON-CAMPUS - In-Person Position) (ON-SITE - In-Person Position)Note: This position primarily reports to the Coast Community College District Office and may need to report to any of our College sites per the needs of the department.Summary The incumbent applies developed subject matter expertise to perform financial, operational, compliance, performance, and investigative audits at the District and college sites. Provides recommendations and quantitative reports/summaries based on the compilation of surveys, data collection, interviews, and data analysis. Documents the results of work related to audits and investigations by maintaining and updating files, databases, schedules, proofreading and assembling reports, and recording recollections of meetings. Distinguishing Career Features The Internal Audit Specialist provides independent and objective assessments and assists the Internal Audit Director in the execution and implementation of the District's annual audit plan, as well as any impromptu assignments that may arise. The Internal Audit Specialist assesses internal controls to mitigate the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. The Internal Audit Specialist works with administration to evaluate programs, operations, fiscal records, policies and procedures, contracts, grant agreements, and state and federal laws and regulations as applicable. The incumbent may also participate in investigations related to fraud, waste, and abuse. In addition, the incumbent may develop and deliver training related to the audit process, ethics, internal controls, fraud, waste, and abuse. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Specific duties may vary among departments, divisions and jobs. Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following types of duties, as assigned: 1. Gathers data from various District information systems, personnel, and observations made at work sites, for audits, consulting engagements, and investigations of CCCD operations, activities, functions, and programs. Documents and organizes information in working papers. 2. Reviews and analyzes collected information for trends and consistency, making notation of unusual patterns or quality variations. Documents and organizes results in accordance with auditing standards and industry best practices. 3. Creates work plans to complete assignments and develops and performs sampling and detailed testing with limited direction. 4. Researches legal mandates, policies and procedures, best practices, regulations, labor contracts, grant agreements, previous audit, consulting, and investigative reports, and other materials relevant to projects. Conducts assessments of internal controls to mitigate risk of fraud, waste, abuse. 5. Compiles District-wide audit universe (or source) and performs risk assessment related to projects in an effort to identify internal controls or potential weaknesses in internal controls. 6. Recommends improvements to District operations, reduce cost, and ensure optimization of resources and efficiencies. 7. Provides administrative support to audits. Plans, schedules, and prepares materials for meetings in a timely manner; maintains audit records. 8. Responds to inquiries, conveys information, and provides training about the services provided by Internal Audit. 9. Produces pre-approved reports, correspondence, forms, charts and graphs using various business, office suite, and audit software. Drafts selected report materials that include recommendations, procedures, manuals, briefing packets, and proposed policy changes within established timelines. Receives and assembles working papers to comply with Global Internal Audit Standards as promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) as promulgated by the Government Accountability Office, as well as District policies and procedures. 10. Coordinates and sets up meeting facilities. Assists in preparing work-in-progress reports for District management, sets up business calendars and cycles, then monitors key deadlines and/or timelines for projects, and work activities. 11. Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position. 12. Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 - Code of Professional Ethics. Qualifications and Physical Demands Qualifications Knowledge and Skills 1. The position requires basic knowledge of the principles, and practices of government performance auditing, the Global Internal Audit Standards as promulgated by the Instituted of Internal Auditors, and Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards as promulgated by the Government Accountability Office. 2. Requires basic knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of organizational, operational, financial, administrative, performance and procedural research and analysis, including program evaluation and audit methodologies. 3. Requires basic knowledge of the methods and techniques used in project planning. 4. Requires basic knowledge of internal accounting and management controls, audit processes, and professional standards and regulations. 5. Requires working knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment, including filing systems, receptionist and telephone techniques. 6. Requires a basic knowledge of the rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures associated with public meetings, hearings, and the legislative process. 7. Requires working knowledge of MS Office, web page design programs, special applications used by the organization unit, and data entry to custom databases such as those for auditing. 8. Requires sufficient knowledge of modern English to prepare reports suitable for public distribution. 9. Requires sufficient human relations skill to convey technical information, adapt to diverse personalities and styles, collaborate with work teams, and engage in small group discussions. Abilities1. Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position. 2. Requires the ability to accurately take and transcribe notes and/or meeting minutes/recollections. 3. Must be able to learn, interpret, explain and apply knowledge of District organization, Board and committee processes, and special terminology used in auditing. 4. Requires the ability to interpret and convey policies and procedures to a large audience of administrators, management and staff. 5. Requires the ability to apply internal auditing, accounting principles and practices, management principles and preferred business practices effectively during the course of business. 6. Requires the ability to prepare spreadsheets, graphs and charts, and enter, import and export data to and from databases, and access information from internal and external databases to support research. 7. Requires the ability to collect, evaluate and interpret a broad range of data, either in electronic, written, statistical or narrative form. 8. Requires the ability to apply audit and investigation standards, as well as best practices from Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO). 9. Requires the ability to multi-task and perform related duties on multiple projects simultaneously. 10. Requires the ability to exercise independent judgment and liaise with external auditors. 11. Requires the ability to provide effective presentations to a wide audience. 12. Requires the ability to learn, understand, interpret, and apply applicable laws codes, and policies. 13. Requires the ability to develop and apply statistical, spreadsheet, database and geographic information system applications to conduct analyses. 14. Requires the ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other documents appropriate to the audience. 15. Requires the ability to be detail oriented for accuracy and impact to work product. 16. Requires the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. 17. Requires the ability to complete required annual training requirements to comply with applicable audit standards. 18. Requires the ability to maintain collaborative relationships with diverse groups of people and with those encountered on work-related matters. 19. Requires the ability to conduct limited scope studies. Physical Abilities 1. The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources. 2. Essential functions will vary by position. 3. As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), the District shall engage in a timely, good faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Education and Experience The position typically requires a Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, accounting, or a related discipline and one year of audit experience or practicum. Alternatively, the position may allow an Associate's degree and five years of progressive experience supporting audits, projects, and financial operations. Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position. A Master's degree is desirable, but not required. Licenses and Certificates May require a valid driver license. Professional certifications are preferred, but not required. Annual training may be required to comply with applicable audit standards, which may require local, state, or out-of-state travel. ANDDemonstrated evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, ethnic, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity within the community college student population, including students with different ability statuses (e.g., physical and/or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom. Working Conditions Work is performed while adhering to industry standards for audits and investigations. Work is performed indoors where minimal safety considerations exist. This job specification describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the job.Note:D.E.I.A. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-RacismThe Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continues to strengthen our efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism. The Coast Community College District is focused on creating a culture of inclusive excellence by uplifting employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. We have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. and Anti-Racism (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process. Conditions of Employment Note: To be eligible for employment, you must possess authorization to work in the United States. The District does not sponsor visas or take over any established visa sponsorship.This is a permanent, general funded, full-time, 12-months per year classified position. The normal hours of work will be Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the flexibility to occasionally work extended hours and/or weekends, if necessary, to meet the department's needs. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor. The District provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents and life insurance for the employee. (Salary Schedule: EE-121) Please note that job offers are conditional and are contingent upon the successful completion of satisfactory comprehensive background check (including Livescan fingerprinting) and satisfactory references, and approval or ratification by the District's Board of Trustees or the Chancellor. Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment. The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910 ) The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Pay Philosophy: Coast Community College District, through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality. In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade. All movement on the salary schedule will occur July 1 of each year for all classified employees. Application Requirements: Application materials must be electronically submitted online at http://www.cccd.edu/employment to be considered for employment. Incomplete applications, application materials submitted by mail, and documents not requested in the job announcement will not be considered. Please note that the district does not return materials submitted in the application process (copies of original supporting documents are acceptable). A complete application packet includes:A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application.Responses to Supplemental Questions (please provide clear and detailed responses, as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, put "see resume" or "N/A