Description

DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL AUDIT

The first round of application reviews will take place on Monday, March 23, 2026.

OCERS offers a competitive benefits package, a defined benefit pension plan that has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, annual leave, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is now accepting online applications for the Director of Internal Audit recruitment. This recruitment is open to the public and will remain open until the Director of Internal Audit vacancy is filled. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the needs of OCERS have been met. The first round of application reviews is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

WHO WE ARE
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $28 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.
 
Mission:
OCERS mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.
 
Vision:
OCERS vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.
 
Values:

Open and Transparent
Commitment to Superior Service
Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
Reliable and Accurate
Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Director of Internal Audit will report directly to the Audit Committee with functional support from the Chief Executive Officer and will oversee department direct reports. This position will have the direct responsibility of coordinating internal audits to ensure that OCERS has a comprehensive system of financial and operational internal controls in place to minimize risks and substantiate overall system compliance. This position will assist the Board of Retirement and management in the effective discharge of their fiduciary responsibilities and will be expected to uphold the highest standards of accountability, plan sponsor focus and system efficiency. The Director of Internal Audit will be expected to set the scope of work and audit objectives while ensuring audit goals are met in a timely manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the Internal Audit department to ensure adherence to the Global Internal Audit Standards set by the Institute of Internal Auditors and the relevant OCERS Internal Audit charters.
• Manages audits of OCERS' internal divisions and Employers; determines nature of operations and formulates objective opinions on the adequacy, effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of systems or programs reviewed.
• Develops annual risk assessment and audit plan.
• Develops a methodology for following up on audit recommendations and measuring performance.
• Verifies and analyzes transactions, management representations, documents, records, methods of reporting, receipts, disbursements, etc., for adequacy, effectiveness, errors, irregularities, and inconsistencies.
• Audits records to determine compliance with stated goals and objectives.
• Evaluates information system controls and assesses system security and data integrity.
• Performs data analysis.
• Reports on the effectiveness and adequacy of internal control systems.
• Prepares and presents written audit reports with recommendations on audit findings and follows up on the status of findings and recommendations.
• Prepares and reviews work papers, correspondence, and final reports.
• Makes recommendations for the correction of unsatisfactory conditions, improvements in operations, and reductions in costs.
• Facilitates strategic professional growth for staff and cultivates their skills in alignment with the OCERS Internal Audit methodology for succession and other purposes.
• Develops and manages the annual department budget and operates within established funding levels.
• Maintains positive/constructive written and oral communications with OCERS personnel throughout the audit process.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts, including legal and actuarial teams, to evaluate complex areas.
• Supports the development of automated and other technological tools, such as robotic process automation.
• Drafts and assesses requests for proposals handled by the Internal Audit Department.
• Performs other specialized duties related to Internal Audit operations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will possess the competencies required to exercise fiduciary responsibilities to protect the interests of plan participants. The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal presentation and strong interpersonal and analytical skills. He/she will have a well-established background performing audits and the demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusting and collaborative working relationships with the Board, Audit Committee, management, staff, plan sponsors and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess excellent judgment and the ability to take initiative. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and will have the demonstrated ability to analyze business processes and make appropriate recommendations. He/she will commit to maintaining a high level of integrity and ethical and confidentiality standards; will be experienced in evaluating internal controls with a public agency and knowledgeable of the Institute of Internal Auditor's Code of Ethics and Standards.

Knowledge of

• The theory, principles, and practice of auditing, including the methods and procedures used to examine, verify, and analyze operational records, statements, and reports.
• Global Internal Audit Standards (Institute of Internal Auditors); Generally Accepted Auditing Standards; Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, and information systems auditing standards.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and internal control frameworks (such as COSO).
  Internal controls, including an understanding of information system controls, accounting systems, and financial structures.
• Statistical methods, including qualitative and quantitative analysis and statistical sampling.
• Computer-based information systems and use of computers for research and analysis.
• Investment management and conducting investment reviews for public pension funds.

Skills/Ability to

• Define problem areas, analyze data and/or situations, draw logical conclusions, and recommend effective courses of action.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including preparing comprehensive work papers, clear and concise audit reports, and financial statements.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with plan sponsors, external contractors, management staff, and co-workers.
• Review, understand, interpret and apply State, Federal and County laws and procedures: auditing and accounting pronouncements and standards (i.e. GASB, SAS, 1937 Law, SEC, and ISACA).
• Review and understand job descriptions, policy manuals, organization charts, business plans, and financial and accounting records.
• Stay current on the standards for the professional practice of internal auditing and adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Understand, use, and explain complex legal provisions in conducting audits.
• Conduct research using a variety of research techniques; collect, compile, analyze, and interpret data.
• Exhibit exemplary interpersonal skills and exercise sound judgment and professionalism in business matters.
• Perform job functions independently, objectively, and within set timeframes.
• Use standard office equipment such as a computer, printer, scanner, fax machine, photocopier, and 10-key calculator.
• Use computer software to compose reports, spreadsheets, graphs, flowcharts, calculations, and time reports, etc.
• Use OCERS approved means of transportation to travel to and from work sites may be required for some assignments.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL and ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Physical and Mental Requirements

• Speak and hear well enough to communicate in English clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in small groups.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, write, and use a calculator.
• Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, Plan Sponsors, peers and members.
• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor.
• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist to access a standard office environment.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Body strength sufficient to lift up to 15 pounds and carry files.

Environmental Conditions

• The primary workplace is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment.
• Surrounding office equipment generates a quiet moderate noise level.
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs.
• Travel outside of the Orange County area may be required to attend professional conferences and meetings.

BENEFITS
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience

• Graduation from a four-year college with a BA or BS degree in accounting, business or public administration, economics, or a related field, which includes thirty-six-semester units in elementary, intermediate and advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, business law, and other business-related courses.
  AND
• Seven or more years of relevant professional experience in progressively responsible positions within a public pension system; local, state or federal agency; accounting/auditing firm or corporation.

Special Notes, Licenses or Requirements

• A valid California class C driver's license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel.
• Successful candidates must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, including a fingerprint check through Live Scan.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of supervisory and project management experience.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Pension plan experience.
• Knowledge of Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) for financial reporting.
• Valid certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).