Internal Audit Officer - Office of Performance & Accountability

We offer great pay, excellent benefits to include medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, employee/spouse/child supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, deferred compensation plan (457 B), pension plan, flexible spending account, home purchase assistance and 12 paid holidays.

The City of Savannah is a wonderful community for your next career move. Submit your application today!  

• Lead, plan and manage the operations of the Internal Audit Department. 
• Develop and update internal audit policies, procedures, and quality assurance practices.
• Develop strategic goals and objectives for the audit function aligned with municipal priorities.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Promote a high-performance culture focused on accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, risk-based annual audit plan; review and approve audit scopes, methodologies, and workpapers.
• Prioritize audits based on risk assessment, compliance needs, and operational importance.
• Review and approve audit scopes, methodologies, and workpapers.
• Ensure audits are conducted in accordance with Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS/Yellow Book) or applicable professional standards.
• Oversee the implementation of audit software and data analytics tools to improve audit efficiency and effectiveness.
• Facilitate enterprise risk assessments to identify areas of vulnerability and recommend control improvements.
• Work in close partnership with the Risk Management Officer to identify and assess enterprise-wide risks; coordinating efforts to avoid duplication, streamline risk assessment processes, and enhance overall risk mitigation strategies.
• Share audit findings that have risk implications and jointly develop responses or remediation plans with Risk Management Officer.
• Present audit plans, findings, and recommendations to senior management and other governing bodies.
• Develop reports that communicate risks, internal control weaknesses, and compliance issues clearly and constructively.
• Ensure timely follow-up on audit recommendations and management action plans.
• Develop and update internal audit policies, procedures, and quality assurance practices.
• Ensure departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as professional audit standards.
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and consultants to provide information, respond to findings, and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Support annual financial audits and provide requested documentation and internal audit reports.
• Support the development of internal controls and compliance practices that advance equitable service delivery and access to municipal resources. 
• Ensure compliance with whistleblower protections and confidentiality standards.
• Ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect throughout audit or investigative processes ensure all audit and investigative practices are conducted fairly, impartially, and without bias.

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business or Public Administration; with six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in financial or management auditing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)
• Experience managing an internal audit function in a public sector or government environment, with familiarity in integrating equity principles into audit work.
• Familiarity with municipal operations, grants, procurement, and compliance requirements also.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of internal auditing principles, government accounting, risk management, and public administration, including GAGAS/Yellow or Red Book standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to assess financial and operational data and develop strategic audit responses. 
• Ability to manage or support internal investigations involving suspected fraud, abuse, or misconduct

• Ability to promote and uphold the city’s values related to equity in audit planning, execution, and reporting.
• Ability to advise city leadership and departments on risk mitigation strategies, fraud prevention and internal control enhancements, present audit plans, findings, and recommendations to senior management and other governing bodies.
• Ability to build cooperative relationships with department heads to facilitate effective auditing and risk management.
• Ability to establish systems for tracking resolution of audit issues and regularly report progress to leadership.
• Proficiency in audit software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.
• Commitment to ethical governance, risk-based decision making, and equitable public service.
• Ability to promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior.