
Texas Southern University
Interim Chief Internal Auditor
Houston, TX
Chief Internal Auditor
Texas Southern University (TSU) is entering a transformative era, marked by strategic growth and visionary leadership. With the appointment of President James W. Crawford III last summer, TSU is poised to elevate its research status from R2 to R1 by 2030, reflecting a commitment to academic excellence and innovation. This period of renewal is further underscored by a campaign aimed at strengthening academic programs, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community engagement, all as the university gears up to celebrate its Centennial. Joining TSU as a Chief Internal Auditor (CIA)during this pivotal time offers the opportunity to be part of a legacy in the making, contributing to a culture that values mentorship, succession planning, and strategic innovation.
The CIA joins one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),ensuring the university complies with the Texas Internal Auditing Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 2102 as amended by House Bill 2485 during the 78th Legislature and House Bill 16 during the 83rd Legislature. The CIA performs audits of university operations, departments, processes and functions as required to meet the annual audit plan and will serve as liaison between theUniversity and the State Auditor's Office, performing special investigations as required or requested by the Board of Regents and/or the President. The CIA also provides the Internal Auditor's Office personnel with access to training on subjects appropriate to the performance of their duties and performs other duties as may be required by the President and/or the Board of Regents.
This position requires adherence to the Institute of InternalAuditors' (IIA) Code of Ethics, which outlines the fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and competency. Internal auditors must uphold these ethical standards in all aspects of their work, including the conduct of audits, the reporting of findings, and their interactions with stakeholders. The internal audit function plays a critical role in safeguarding organizational assets, preventing financial and operational risks, and contributing to the achievement of the organization's objectives.
This position reports to the Chief of Staff.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- University compliance with federal, state, local laws, and regulations and policies regarding internal audits
- Develop and present an annual audit plan for approval by the Board of Regents
- Perform audits of university operations, departments, processes and functions as required to meet the annual audit plan
- Make recommendations for process and other improvements through audit reports
- Serve as the university’s liaison to StateAuditor's Office and coordinate interactions with external auditors
- Perform special investigations as required or requested by the Board of Regents and/or the President
- Ensure the Internal Auditor's Office staff receive access to training on subjects appropriate to the performance of their duties
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to higher education finance and auditing
- GAAP, GAGAS, and federal auditing standards in general, particularly as they apply to colleges and universities with federal funds
- Institutional policies, procedures, and practices
- Accounting systems, particularly Banner and similar ERP systems
- Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications
Skills in:
- Attention to detail with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines
- Customer service and collaboration with internal departments and external partners
Ability to:
- Analyze and interpret accounting and operational data
- Prepare, present and explain detailed audit reports and findings to leadership
- Manage multiple audits or investigations concurrently and meet deadlines
- Collaborate with internal departments and external auditors with professionalism and integrity
- Uphold ethical standards and maintain objectivity in complex or sensitive situations
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) inAccounting
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive audit experience. Experience in internal auditing, government auditing, management auditing or operational auditing will be considered.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification
- Banner experience
- Fund accounting experience
- State higher education accounting experience
About the Institution
Texas Southern University (TSU) is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1927, ithas evolved into a comprehensive doctoral institution committed to academic excellence and community engagement. TSU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 colleges and schools, including the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, andthe College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The university is recognized for its diverse student body, with more than 8,700students enrolled, representing various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Locatedin Houston's historic Third Ward, TSU serves as a cultural and educational hub within the city. The 150-acre urban campus is situated just two miles southeast of downtown Houston,connecting students to the city's rich cultural, professional, and recreational resources. TSU’svibrant campus life features over 80 student organizations, NCAA Division Iathletics through the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and numerous programs and centers that support leadership, service and urban impact.
Living in the Area
As the nation’s fourth largest city, Houston offers the advantages of a vibrant metropolitan environment paired with a relatively low cost of living—especially in housing—and no state incometax, making it an attractive destination for professionals and families alike. Often cited as one of the mostethnically diverse cities in America, Houston is home to vibrant communities from around the globe, reflected in its food, cultural life, and neighborhoods. From world-class museums in the Museum District to eclectic dining in Montrose and authentic global cuisine in Chinatown, the city celebrates inclusivity and international flair at every turn.
Houston offers exceptional accessibility and year-round recreation. With two major airports—George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby(HOU)—residents enjoy convenient national and international travel. The city’s robust transportation infrastructure, including metro rail and park-and-ride services, supports easy commuting. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the city’sextensive parks system, including Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou, while the Gulf Coast’s beaches are just a short drive away. Add in professional sports, museums, and warm weather nearly year-round, and Houston delivers a lifestylethat’s both active and connected.
The city is also a hub for major industries, including energy, healthcare,aerospace, and technology. It’s home to the Texas Medical Center—the largestmedical complex in the world—as well as NASA’s Johnson Space Center, whichcontinues to drive innovation and research. The city's robust job market and entrepreneurial spirit make it an attractive destination for ambitiousindividuals looking to advance their careers or launch new ventures.
Institutional Information
Texas Southern University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment or in theprovision of services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.
