Chief Audit Executive

Savannah River National Laboratory is seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly ethical Chief Audit Executive (CAE) to lead the internal audit function and serve as a trusted advisor to the Audit Committee, Board of Directors, and executive leadership. This executive role is responsible for providing independent, objective assurance and advisory services that strengthen governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance across the organization.

The Chief Audit Executive will develop and execute a risk-based internal audit plan, assess key business and operational risks, communicate significant findings, and help promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Typically, manages daily activities through other senior managers.

• Lead the organization’s internal audit function in a manner that preserves independence and objectivity.
• Develop and maintain a risk-based internal audit plan for review and approval by the Audit Committee.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance processes.
• Oversee internal audits across financial, operational, compliance, and information technology areas, as applicable.
• Report significant audit findings, emerging risks, and control issues to the Audit Committee and executive leadership.
• Monitor management’s corrective action plans and follow up on remediation efforts.
• Assess fraud risk and support investigations, as appropriate.
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, compliance, legal, finance, and other oversight functions.
• Ensure the internal audit function operates in accordance with applicable professional standards, including the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing internal audit team and manage external/co-sourced audit resources as needed.
• Advise leadership on risk implications related to strategic initiatives, system implementations, operational changes, and other major projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Internal Auditing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, accounting, compliance, risk management, or internal controls.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a senior audit, compliance, finance, or risk role.
• One or more professional certifications such as:
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading a risk-based audit program.
• Experience reporting to executive leadership and/or an Audit Committee or Board.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, governance, risk management, and compliance practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, analytical, and relationship-building skills.
• High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and professional credibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Multiple relevant professional certifications.
• Experience in the US Department of Energy national laboratory environment and the government-owned/contractor-operated model.
• Experience in a regulated environment.
• Experience with enterprise risk management, cybersecurity audits, fraud investigations, data analytics, and regulatory examinations, as applicable.
• Experience building or transforming an internal audit function.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader who can operate with independence while building strong relationships across the organization. This individual will bring executive presence, deep audit expertise, sound business judgment, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader who can operate with independence while building strong relationships across the organization. This individual will bring executive presence, deep audit expertise, sound business judgment, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse stakeholders.