Position Vacancy Announcement 

Position: The purpose of this position is to plan and perform audits assigned by the Chief Internal Auditor. The Internal Audit function is to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the organization’s operations. Internal Audit helps the organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal control, and governance processes. This position reports to the Chief Internal Auditor. The Chief Internal Auditor reports to the Executive Director and the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Position: Internal Audit Associate

Position Type: Full-time | Based in Champaign, IL

Civil Service Classification: Internal Auditor Associate

Main Duties

• Plan audits
  1. Plan internal audits of areas assigned by the Chief Internal Auditor. Typical audit areas include disability benefits, separations refunds, new benefits, IT general controls, payroll, travel expenses, accounting, new retirement claims, new survivor benefits, new death benefits, investments, contract compliance, and other audits as deemed necessary. 
  2. Review previous audit plan and recommend any updated or expanded audit steps.
• Perform audits
  1. Responsibilities will change based upon the audit being performed. Typical responsibilities include the following:
     • Verification of computerized calculations.
     • Verification of employer reporting.
     • Verification of options selected by retiree or survivor.
     • Ensure transactions were recorded correctly in the g/l.
     • Ensure compliance with state statutes, ensure controls were operating as designed.
     • Follow transaction from origination to recording in the general ledger.
     • Document procedures performed and results of those procedures.
     • Follow up on exceptions identified with the process owner to verify process owner agrees with exceptions identified.
     • Discuss with process owner to obtain an understanding of the breakdown in the control environment that allowed for the error to occur. 
• Perform walkthroughs
  1. Obtain and document an understanding of the process and internal controls associated with a particular audit or system.
  2. Interview process owners and document process and internal controls.
• Conclude and report on audits performed
  1. Draft audit findings and reports for review by the Chief Internal Auditor. 
  2. Discuss findings with the control operator and department manager.
  3. Provide recommendations to improve the process based upon the understanding gained during the walkthrough and audit procedures performed.
• Special projects and other duties
  1. Prepare special reports, perform special projects, provide management consulting services, and other duties as assigned by the Chief Internal Auditor.

Required Qualifications

1. Any one or any combination that equals three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:
2. College course work in information technology, accounting, business administration, finance, or a closely related field
   • 60 semester hours equals 1 year (12 months)
   • 90 semester hours equals 2 years (24 months)
   • 120 semester hours equals 3 years (36 months)
3. Progressively more responsible experience that provides a knowledge of generally accepted principles, theories, and practices used in internal auditing
4. One (1) year (12 months) of work experience performing duties comparable to those listed for the Internal Auditor

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to adapt to changing work environments, work priorities and organizational needs.
• Ability to clearly convey information and ideas to individuals and groups through a variety of communication modes.
• Practices attentive and active listening.
• Initiates and develops positive and open communication with peers and team members.
• Develops and uses collaborative relationships to build informal and formal teams to accomplish objectives
• Demonstrates inclusiveness and civility when engaging with all people, and contributes to developing and maintaining an environment that is equitable, inclusive and respectful.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and standards or how to research and apply the principles and standards.

Position Information

This is a full-time position based in Champaign, IL. During the initial 12-month training period, fully in-office workdays may be required. After successful completion of the initial training period. this position may transition to a hybrid role. The starting salary range for this position is $68,393 - $75,233. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits, including medical, vision and dental
• Participation in SURS retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave and 10 paid holidays
• 2 additional floating holidays after 6 months of employment
• Paid Parental Leave after six months of employment
• Casual/business casual attire (dependent on job duties)
• Flexible work environment
• Free parking
• 37.5-hour standard work week
• Find more details regarding the benefits SURS offers at: SURS Employee Benefits - SURS

Application Process

To apply for this position, please click the apply button at the top of this job posting. Please fill out the online application and attach a copy of your resume and cover letter.

About SURS

SURS is the administrator of a cost-sharing, multiple-employer, public employee retirement system that provides retirement, survivor, disability and death benefits to employees of Illinois state universities, community colleges, and certain other affiliated organizations and agencies. SURS was created in 1941, by an act of the Illinois General Assembly, and is governed by the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5/15-101 et seq.). SURS provides benefit services to over 255,000 members who work for 61 employers. SURS is responsible for investing assets in a diversified portfolio of U.S. and foreign stocks, bonds, real estate and alternative investments. SURS maintains a defined benefit plan, which on June 30, 2024, had assets valued at approximately $24.3 billion. SURS also administers two defined contribution plans, the Retirement Savings Plan, which on June 30, 2024, had assets of approximately $4.3 billion and the Deferred Compensation Plan, which had assets of approximately $67.4 million. Northern Trust serves as SURS’ master trustee custodian.