Freda M. Benton

Provide leadership and oversight for the internal audit function of a large R1 research university, supporting governance, risk management, compliance and internal control objectives through audit, advisory, and investigative services. Primary duties include:

• Support development of the annual audit plan institution-wide risk assessment, stakeholder input, and targeted research and analysis to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
• Support the department's ethic function by assisting with ethics, conflict-of-interest, and compliance matters arising from audits, investigations and advisory engagements.
• Advise senior leadership and management on governance, compliance, risk management, internal controls, and operational matters through audit communications and presentations.
• Oversee a team of auditors conducting audits, investigations, and advisory engagements, ensuring engagement execution aligns with Global Internal Audit Standards and departmental audit methodology.
• Manage audit staff performance through resource planning, assignment oversight, coaching, work-product review, and professional development.

As a member of the executive management team, worked closely with Executive Director on strategic operations of nonprofit organization. Primary duties included:

• Oversight of fiscal department and staff.
• Budgeting and cashflow management.
• Implementation of Sage accounting software.
• Development of fiscal policies and procedure to align with Uniform Guidance.
• Financial reporting for key stakeholders, including board of directors and grantor agencies.
• Served as Interim Executive Director for 8 months directing day-to-day operations for nonprofit organization with $15 million operating budget comprising federal, state, and local funding streams.

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