Chief Audit Officer

The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) is responsible for carrying out a comprehensive program of internal audit to assess the organization’s internal control environment and compliance with its policies and procedures worldwide. This position plans, develops and recommends procedures and systems to be used in internal auditing throughout the organization. The CAO oversees the internal audit function which examines and evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of the organization’s internal controls, the integrity of and reliability of the organization’s financial and operational information, and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and programs. This position also oversees a program to monitor the Conservancy’s grants of funds to other organizations including subrecipients of U.S. government monies. The CAO oversees a professional staff of six or more professional auditors and is the liaison for the Audit Committee of the Nature Conservancy’s Board of Directors. The position reports functionally to the Audit Committee of the Nature Conservancy’s Board of Directors and operationally to the General Counsel.

This role is remote in the US or Alberta, Ontario, or NW Territories provinces of Canada with ample overlap with EST working hours.
 

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and lead the organization’s global internal audit strategy, ensuring alignment with mission, risk profile, and regulatory requirements.
  • Advise executive leadership and the Audit Committee on internal control effectiveness, risk mitigation, and compliance matters.
  • Work collaboratively with the Legal Leadership Team and other members of the Enterprise Risk Team on matters relating to the control environment and risk mitigation.
  • Maintain independence and objectivity in audit planning and execution while fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
     
• Audit Program Oversight
  • Design and implement a comprehensive internal audit program covering financial, operational, compliance, and IT risks.
  • Oversee risk-based audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up across global operations.
  • Ensure audits are conducted in accordance with professional standards (e.g., IIA) and organizational policies.
     
• Governance and Compliance
  • Serve as support to the Management Liaison to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, preparing agendas and reports as well as presenting findings.
  • Monitor compliance with internal policies, donor requirements, and government regulations (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance for U.S. federal grants).
  • Participate in investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, or control failures, and coordinate with legal and HR as needed.
     
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Lead and manage a team of internal auditors and monitoring professionals across multiple regions.
  • Set performance objectives, provide coaching and development, and foster a high-performing, ethical audit culture.
  • Ensure team capabilities align with evolving audit needs, including data analytics and technology-enabled auditing.
     
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Risk, and Operations teams to strengthen internal controls and risk management.
  • Represent the organization externally in audit-related forums, peer networks, and donor engagements.
  • Communicate audit findings and recommendations clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and field teams.
     
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation
  • Promote continuous improvement in audit methodologies, tools, and reporting.
  • Leverage technology and data analytics to enhance audit efficiency and insight.
  • Stay current on global audit trends, nonprofit governance, and regulatory developments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting and at least 7 years of related internal audit experience.
• Five or more years of experience managing people and interacting with Executive Management and an Audit Committee.
• Professional certification as a CPA or CIA.
• Experience with government regulations related to grants and contracts.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and lead multiple complex projects.
• Experience working in a management or leadership role in a Finance, Accounting, Auditing, or related field.
• Experience navigating large, complex organizations.
   
• DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• 10+ years of leadership internal audit experience.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working int