Vice President & Chief Audit Officer

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) serves as the institution’s senior internal audit executive, providing strategic leadership to an enterprise-wide function that plays a critical role in safeguarding MD Anderson’s mission and public trust. Reporting to executive leadership and working closely with the Audit Committee and the University of Texas System, the CAO delivers independent, objective assurance over risk management, internal controls, and governance processes. As a trusted advisor and business partner, the CAO promotes transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization, enabling informed decision-making and supporting the delivery of the highest standards of patient care. This leader sets the vision and standards for the internal audit function’s alignment with the Internal Audit Charter and the Global Internal Audit Standards established by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

KEY FUNCTIONS

Leadership & Strategy
•    Serve as a principal advisor to executive leadership of MD Anderson, the University of Texas System and indirectly the Board of Regents on matters of auditing, risk management, and internal controls for MD Anderson
•    Develop and implement the enterprise-wide internal audit strategy, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory standards
•    Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of internal audit activities
•    Provide strategic insight and advisory support that delivers solutions, not just issue identification
•    Navigate a complex, public-facing institution with political, regulatory, and governance sensitivities
•    Demonstrate impeccable integrity, discretion, and sound judgment in confidential and board-level engagements

Audit Planning & Execution 
•    Develop and execute a dynamic, risk-based audit strategy aligned with systemwide goals and the strategic plans of the institution; develop and maintain annual audit plans for the system entity based on an accepted risk assessment methodology and approved by the Board of Regents
•    Build a world-class Audit function focused on cutting-edge solutions to the problems of today including but not limited to information security, revenue cycle     management, artificial intelligence
•    Establish audit priorities, staffing models, and timelines for assurance audits, advisory services, investigations, and follow-up activities
•    Conduct and oversee internal audits across financial, operational, and information technology domains
•    Conduct and supervise investigations related to fraud, waste, and abuse with discretion and professionalism
•    Identify emerging risks, control gaps, and deviations from established policies and procedures
•    Drive adoption of best practices, emerging technologies (including artificial intelligence), and data analytics to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency

People Management
•    Build, develop, and lead a high-performing internal audit team with expertise across various operational areas and locations
•    Lead the hiring, integration and onboarding of additional team members, thoughtfully shaping team structure, clarifying roles, and strengthening collaboration to  support sustainable growth
•    Provide inspirational and hands-on leadership to a growing team, fostering a high-performance culture grounded in trust, accountability, and professional development
•    Champion a supportive environment that prioritizes engagement, clear communication, and individual growth while aligning the team around shared objectives and measurable outcomes

Risk Management & Controls 
•    Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and enterprise risk management processes, recommending enhancements as appropriate
•    Monitor emerging risks and regulatory developments, including IT, cybersecurity, and financial risks, and assess their impact on the control environment
•    Collaborate with executive leadership and stakeholders to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and action plans

Communication and Reporting
•    Regularly communicate the status, results, and trends of internal audit activities to the Institutional Audit Committee and executive leadership
•    Deliver clear, concise, and actionable audit reports and recommendations that support informed decision-making
•    Communicate complex or sensitive matters constructively to foster cooperation, transparency, and accountability

Stakeholder Engagement 
•    Build strong, trusted relationships across departments and institutions to promote open dialogue regarding audit findings and recommendations
•    Be proactive; continue advancing cultural transformation at MD Anderson to strengthen and enhance the organization’s perception of Internal Audit
•    Present audit results and risk insights to executive leadership and the Audit Committee
•    Serve as a subject matter expert on internal audit, risk, and control matters for business units and functional teams
•    Act as a liaison with co-sourced or outsourced audit providers, external auditors, regulators, and other oversight bodies

Compliance & Ethics 
•    Ensure conformance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards, including Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standards, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
•    Establish and maintain a continuous quality assurance and improvement program for the internal audit function
•    Champion ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability across the organization
 

•    Perform other duties as assigned.