DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
- Provide strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of a comprehensive audit and compliance framework that supports MDC’s mission, operational priorities, and regulatory obligations.
- Establish and direct the annual enterprise audit plan, integrating risk-based methodologies, regulatory mandates, emerging operational trends, and organizational priorities to ensure proactive and effective oversight.
- Advise the Warden and senior executive team on complex audit findings, systemic compliance risks, and organizational vulnerabilities while recommending high-impact corrective strategies and policy improvements.
- Lead institutional initiatives to strengthen governance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring audit insights directly support organizational decision-making and operational excellence.
- Oversee the full spectrum of internal audit operations, including operational, financial, and compliance audits; specialized investigations; and targeted reviews addressing high-risk or emerging issues.
- Conduct and supervise enterprise-wide risk assessments to identify compliance gaps, operational inefficiencies, and areas requiring enhanced internal controls or executive intervention.
- Establish and maintain a robust quality assurance and improvement program to ensure all audit activities comply with professional standards, industry best practices, and regulatory expectations.
- Serve as the principal liaison to external auditors and oversight entities, coordinating agency-wide responses, facilitating inspections, and ensuring institutional readiness for all external review processes.
- Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including ACA, PREA, NMAC, and McClendon requirements, ensuring sustained alignment with statutory and court-mandated standards.
- Implement advanced systems for tracking, analyzing, and reporting compliance metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making and transparent accountability across all operational divisions.
- Collaborate with legal counsel, executive leadership, and operational managers to assess and mitigate institutional risk, resolve compliance deficiencies, and strengthen internal control systems.
- Design and oversee executive-level training and development programs to enhance organizational competency in audit practices, regulatory compliance, and ethical conduct.
- Define and track key performance indicators and benchmarks to evaluate audit effectiveness, compliance sustainability, and organizational risk maturity.
- Promote a culture of ethical leadership, continuous improvement, and organizational integrity, ensuring all staff adhere to high standards of professionalism and accountability.
- Maintain open and effective communication channels with executive leadership, management teams, and operational units to ensure audit priorities and compliance expectations are clearly understood.
- Represent MDC at the executive level in meetings with regulatory agencies, oversight bodies, external auditors, and other key stakeholders, articulating institutional performance and compliance posture.
- Prepare and deliver executive briefings, audit reports, and compliance assessments, synthesizing complex information into actionable insights for leadership and external authorities.
- Lead coordinated responses to regulatory citations, external audit findings, and compliance directives, ensuring timely resolution and long-term corrective strategies.
- Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with industry leaders, regulatory officials, and oversight organizations to stay informed of emerging standards and best practices.
- Provide executive leadership and management to audit and compliance personnel, including selection, performance management, coaching, and disciplinary oversight.
- Evaluate and optimize organizational structures, workflows, and resource allocations to maximize the efficiency, effectiveness, and strategic impact of audit operations.
- Champion professional development and certification pathways to strengthen staff expertise and maintain a highly skilled audit and compliance workforce.
- Perform additional executive duties as assigned by the Warden, exercising broad discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive or confidential matters.
- Incumbent(s) in this classification may handle sensitive and/or confidential records, plans, documents or decisions that require maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Any one position may not include all duties listed. However, the allocation of positions will be determined by the amount of time spent performing the essential duties listed above.
*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
- Nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in auditing, compliance management, or institutional oversight.
- Four (4) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
Preferences:
- Correctional or public sector experience.
- Direct experience with court-mandated regulations and oversight compliance.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or equivalent professional certification.
SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:
- Complete a comprehensive post-offer employment medical examination and extensive background investigation including financial disclosure.
- Comply with all safety guidelines and security protocols of the County and MDC.
- Possess a valid New Mexico driver's license by employment date and maintain valid licensure throughout employment.
- Complete all required FEMA training and emergency management certifications as assigned.
- Maintain confidentiality clearance and comply with all information security protocols.
- Complete annual continuing education requirements related to auditing and compliance standards.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- The majority of essential duties are performed in professional office environments within a correctional facility setting.
- Position requires regular interaction with inmates, correctional staff, and external officials in various facility locations.
- Employee may be exposed to correctional facility conditions including security risks, infectious diseases, and potentially hostile situations.
- Work schedule may require flexibility including evenings, weekends, and emergency response availability.
- Position involves regular travel to meetings with external agencies and oversight bodies.
- Work environment includes exposure to confidential and sensitive information requiring discretion and security awareness.
- Physical demands include extended periods of desk work, document review, and facility inspections.
- Position requires ability to work under pressure and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS
- Advanced computer systems and audit software for data analysis and reporting.
- Professional office equipment includes telephone systems, video conferencing technology, and presentation equipment.
- Specialized audit tools and measuring instruments for facility inspections.
- Access to legal databases, regulatory libraries, and professional research resources.
- Security equipment and communication devices required for facility access and emergency response.
- Various forms, reports, legal documents, and administrative materials essential to audit and compliance functions.