Senior Investigator I

Summary

The Senior Investigator will be responsible for executing moderate level investigations and reviews related to significant and credible allegations of waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement in the university. Under the supervision of departmental leadership, the Senior Investigator is an important team member in supporting the integrity of the Office of Internal Audit’s (OIA) routine and complex investigations related to suspected fraud, waste and abuse. This position is required to be able to work under limited supervision. The Senior Investigator also coordinates, supervises, and conducts investigations and reviews in accordance with the OIA procedures and applicable investigation standards. This may include leading investigations and supervising the work of other professional staff on a project basis.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Conduct investigations and reviews including analyzing and performing research on applicable university policies, regulations (local, state and federal) and develop a preliminary investigation plan, including resource budgets for significant and credible allegations of waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement within the university.
• Perform forensic fieldwork using various information platforms, including data analysis, to obtain complete understanding of issues being reviewed to aid in data testing and interviews for significant and credible allegations of waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement.
• Schedule appointments and conduct interviews of related parties and subjects using established investigatory principles, including phatic communication and verbal/nonverbal communication techniques, and other relevant investigation interview skills.
• Reconcile data/information to interview statements to determine validity and accuracy of statements of interviewees.
• Supervise the investigation and assign project tasks to staff Investigators and/or other OIA personnel who perform analysis and evaluations of the areas approved in the investigation plan or as assigned by the Investigation Director.
• Review documentation, results and conclusions of tasks performed by staff Investigators and/or other OIA personnel ensuring the success and professional standards of the assignment and the on-going professional development of the individuals involved.
• Prepare work papers and reports consistent with the approved investigation plan procedures with a high level of technical and grammatical accuracy and structure, in adherence to OIA procedures and applicable professional standards.
• Provide frequent updates to the Investigations Director on status of assigned work including immediate communication of any issues or challenges.
• Assist the Investigations Director and the OIA leadership in any necessary notifications of the investigation to appropriate parties, including briefing to the university’s Internal Review Committee, as appropriate.
• Conveys audit findings to senior management and administration through written reports, presentations, and conferences
• Effectively meet agreed-upon investigation and review completion timelines while also participating in other organizational initiatives.
• Through investigations and reviews, identify opportunities for reducing costs, improving processes, and enhancing the University’s image in the community, as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with university management at appropriate levels and commit to continually improving customer satisfaction.
• Stay abreast of fraud and forensic developments to gain an understanding of their links and impact to the University’s business and potential issues of fraud, waste and abuse.
• Conduct educational sessions promoting effective internal controls and fraud risk minimization strategies with university units.
• Maintain professional proficiency via continuing professional education, participating in professional associations while staying abreast of leading practices, industry trends, and emerging risks.
• Ensure that the quality assurance requirements as promulgated by the IIA and other related professional standards are followed, practiced and support any independent external assessments.
• Be a leading example of the principles and values embodied in the University’s Code of Conduct and behave, act and communicate at all times to reflect fairness, ethics and professionalism.
• Performs other duties assigned, including but not limited to mentoring and oversight of staff training and public speaking on investigation related topics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, business, finance, economics, or related field. Minimum of 4 years’ experience with either a “Big 4” accounting firm, a mid-level accounting firm, and/or a mid to large corporation’s internal audit or forensic department.

Licensure and Certification

Certification as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or other related certifications preferred, or working towards obtaining the license by taking and passing the applicable CFE or CPA exams.

Supervision

This position does not typically have supervisory responsibility.

Competencies

• Business Ethics
• Risk Management
• Web-Based Facilities And Tools
• Information Capture
• Problem Solving
• Effective Communications
• Confidential Investigations
• Accuracy And Attention To Detail
• Relationship Management
• Audit And Compliance Function
• Auditing
• Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance
• Fraud Management
• Corporate Ethics Helpline Administration And Management

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.