Head of Audit Assurance

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We’re proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint. 

Work Shift:

8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Sanford Health’s executive leadership is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A vibrant, strategically located city that reflects the values of our organization. Relocation to Sioux Falls is required reinforcing our commitment to servant leadership and meaningful community engagement. As a premier rural health care organization, Sanford Health is dedicated to advancing innovation and excellence in partnership with the communities we serve.

Summary

The Head of Audit Assurance will plan, direct and coordinate the audit activities of staff and/or contracted auditors on projects at different stages of completion. Will lead complex audits, coordinate and communicate with the key stakeholders, often spanning more than one department and multiple areas within the organization.

Responsible for managing the completion of the audits on time for reporting to the executive leadership and audit committee. Will manage each project to meet the specific objective. Advises senior management by assessing the governance (risk, operational policy and procedures) and internal controls that help senior management and other leaders mitigate high risk. As an advisory function to senior management, relying on well-developed interpersonal skills to clearly communicate the message is a must. This individual must be technically savvy and should be able to work with work with a range of MS Office tools with advanced level of proficiency.

Job Description

Assist in developing annual Audit Work Plans using audit risk assessment approved by the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) to provide the most effective audit coverage with the resources available. Identifies audit entities across the organization department specific and functional areas. Conducts a risk analysis to identify and assess the major risks related to each audit entity based on the risk factors and ranks and prioritizes each audit entity according to the risk analysis in discussion with client departments, develops specific scope and objectives for each audit entity to provide the most effective audit coverage; and assigns a level of difficulty and establishes an estimated total time budget for each entity. Coordinates and manages comprehensive internal audit projects to ensure that Senior Management receives independent and objective advice on risk management, controls, and governance issues.

Operational Audits that include value-for-money audits assess administrative and accounting controls to determine why things happen as they do. This includes the effectiveness of management controls over financial, human, and physical resources and determining whether measurable value was received for all expenditures.
Special Audits investigative audits of irregularities as directed by Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Senior Management and the Audit Committee may also assign projects that may have some sensitive issues requiring resolution.

Information Technology audits evaluating the quality of controls and safeguards over information technology assets and determining the effective use of data processing resources. Risk Assessment to ensure that project/program inherent risk assessment has taken into consideration relevant factors and program/project objectives.

Collaborate with Compliance function on regulatory audits confirming that departments are adhering to legislation, regulations, polices, and procedures. Follow-up Reviews confirming that management has taken positive steps to address the audit recommendations raised in previously issued audit reports. Examination of internal controls and safeguarding against fraud, negligence, impropriety, mismanagement, and loss of assets.
Examination of the adequacy and reliability of reported information. Examinations of reliability and comprehensiveness of performance measurements and disclosure.

Develops standard guidelines and practices for the conduct of audits to ensure audits are performed: in compliance with professional auditing standards, using appropriate criteria either from within the company or other alternative sources For Example: audit against best practices for operations and program delivery at a reasonable cost.

Identifies and coordinates the resources which will be required to complete the audit (i.e. scheduling of staff and/or