Executive Director of Compliance and Audit
Executive Director of Compliance and Audit – Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) seeks an outstanding leader to serve as its next Executive Director of Compliance and Audit (EDC&A). Reporting to the Chancellor and the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee (ARCC) of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director is responsible for managing the Director of Compliance Audit, with a staff of two auditors; the Director of Internal Audit, with a staff of seven auditors; and an administrative coordinator. The EDC&A will lead the central compliance and internal audit office in the evaluation of administrative and financial systems at all levels of the University for conformance to University policies, procedures, laws, and regulations to minimize risk and liabilities and support the University’s enterprise risk program. They will partner with the Enterprise Risk Management and IT leaders, as well as campus leadership in all schools and departments, to ensure an institution-wide approach to compliance and audit and the creation of annual and multi-year audit plans.
The successful candidate will be a creative, innovative, consultative, and collaborative leader who understands the complexities of a large, multi-faceted research university. While experience in a research university is desired, candidates who bring experience in complex, highly regulated industries will be considered. Connection to and passion for the mission of WashU as a research university are critical. Strong communication skills and the ability to lead in a decentralized environment are key. A bachelor’s degree, with accounting major, is required; an advanced degree is preferred. Certified Public Accountant required and Certified Internal Auditor designations are strongly preferred. Significant experience managing the compliance audit and internal audit functions of a large research university, academic medical center or complex industrial research setting is also required. A strong understanding of regulatory issues related to higher education and ability to evaluate and assess compliance with external regulations is expected.
The University is organized into eight academic units: the McKelvey School of Engineering, the School of Medicine, the Olin Business School, the Brown School of Social Work, the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, the School of Law, and Arts & Sciences and the University College Professional and Continuing Education Program. The University recently completed a capital campaign that surpassed $3.3 billion and is well underway in planning strategy for the next ten years. The University’s endowment is in excess of $12 billion. Total sponsored research in FY2023 will exceed $780 million. For more information, visit WashU’s website at https://wustl.edu/.
For further information about the position and its requirements, please review the position profile here: https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/executive-director-of-compliance-and-audit-washington-university-in-st-louis
Nominations and Applications
Candidates should provide a letter of interest stating how their experience and qualifications connect with the required/preferred characteristics and priorities expressed in the leadership profile, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five professional references. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant.
For full consideration, applications should be received by April 14, 2023. The review committee will continue its work until an appointment is made.
Application materials and nominations should be sent electronically to: WashUAudit@agbsearch.com.
AGB Search is assisting Washington University in St. Louis with this important search. Please direct nominations and inquiries to the AGB Search Consultants:
Ms. Monica Burton, Principal, Monica.Burton@agbsearch.com / (917) 825-2961
Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Plympton, Principal, Margaret.Plympton@agbsearch.com / (484) 554-4542
Mr. Andrew Bowen, Executive Search Associate, andrew.bowen@agbsearch.com / (802) 345-1279
Washington University values diversity and is committed to the principles and practices of equal opportunity. It is the University’s policy to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
