JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is responsible for leading the agency’s internal audit, risk management, and internal control functions to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Reporting administratively to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and functionally to the Senior Management Team (SMT), the CAO provides independent, objective assurance on the efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of MPCA’s financial, operational, and regulatory activities. This role oversees the development and execution of risk-based audit plans, financial and operational compliance reviews, internal control assessments, and investigative audits to evaluate governance structures, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend corrective actions that strengthen agency-wide controls. The CAO collaborates closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to develop the annual audit plan, oversees the execution of audits, and communicate key findings to leadership. The CAO is responsible for designing and implementing audit work plans that evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of MPCA’s operations. This includes directing risk-based audit engagements, ensuring alignment with state and federal regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and agency priorities. In addition to supervising and mentoring internal audit staff, providing professional development and strategic direction for the audit function, the CAO advises senior leadership and collaborates with external oversight bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA). By fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement, the CAO strengthens the agency’s internal control environment, enhances operational efficiencies, and safeguards public resources while ensuring MPCA fulfills its mission of environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or other relevant business administration field of study.
Three (3) years of progressive supervisory and/or managerial experience over an internal audit team.
Professional experience in internal audit, risk management and/or compliance.
Knowledge of auditing standards & internal Controls including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) principles, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards, and Internal Control Frameworks such as COSO, COBIT OR similar accounting and financial planning systems used in other government operations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advance study, knowledge and professional practice awareness of ecological economics (Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Systems Auditor, or Certified Management Accountant, license or related degree/certifications
Advanced working knowledge of federal audit requirements and federal legal compliance considering the significant proportion of the Agency budget derived from various federal funding sources.
Thorough knowledge of state government financial operations, the statewide accounting system and Agency’s various internal cost accounting systems as the basis for recording and controlling fiscal matters.
Managerial skill in the ability to organize, plan, and direct auditing operations and make independent judgments for each area encountered.
The ability to relate with people, both internal and external at all levels of the organization, is a critical human relations skill.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory driver’s license record check. Requires a Class D driver’s license: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver’s license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.