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.

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).

Please click here for additional details about the Director of Internal Audit classification.