Chief Internal Auditor

26-CIA

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), formerly the Regional Transportation Authority, was created by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker to make transit across northeastern Illinois work for riders as one regional transit system. NITA is seeking to fill a critical role with the newly formed Chief Internal Auditor position for the Legal and Administration department. The incumbent will report directly to the NITA Board of Directors, with a dotted line to the Executive Director. The individual will serve for a term of five (5) years and may be reappointed for one or more subsequent terms by the NITA Board of Directors. The Chief Internal Auditor provides independent, objective oversight of NITA and the Service Board’s (Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace) governance, operations, and financial integrity. This role leads all internal audit functions to ensure strong internal controls, adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, and improved organizational effectiveness. The Chief Internal Auditor also advises the Board of Directors on risks, audit findings, and recommended actions that strengthen accountability and performance across NITA and the Service Boards.

NITA sets regional fares, service standards, and schedules across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace; plans and funds regional capital investment; and oversees the performance and finances of the three Service Boards serving riders across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

As of September 1, 2026, NITA has expanded authority under Public Act 104-0457. People who join NITA now will help build the systems, policies, and partnerships that shape regional transit for years to come.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Direct the internal audit functions and activities of the Authority, including conducting operational, financial, compliance, performance, information technology, and special audits to determine the adequacy of the Authority's systems of internal control and ensure compliance with Authority and State requirements.
• Prepare audit reports and assess program goals, including making recommendations leading to compliance, reduced operating costs, improved services, and greater general efficiency and effectiveness in existing Authority operations.
• Prepare an annual audit plan for submission to, and subject to the approval of, the Board of the Authority.
• Follow-up on findings from internal and external audits to determine if appropriate remedial action has been taken.
• Coordinate external audit requests and report responses to be completed by Authority management.
• Refer possible violations of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act to the appropriate Executive Inspector General.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the office of Illinois Auditor General in conducting the performance audit for NITA and SB every five (5) years.
• Execute required financial, compliance, and attestation audits for all Authority agencies, following generally accepted government auditing standards, including the FTA Triennial Review.
• Conduct audits on an as needed basis, including targeted assessments of management efficiency, costeffectiveness, program standards, or statutory requirements.

Other Key Accountabilities:

• Provide consultation to Agency departments on the development of policies and procedures designed to implement federal, state, and other grants to ensure compliance with their requirements.
• Develop, direct, coordinate and monitor the overall operation of the Audit Division, and any Audit staff, in accordance with goals and objectives of the RTA. Provide strategic direction and leadership on critical issues.
• Collaborate with NITA board to ensure the Agency and Audit’s goals are aligned/meeting the Authority’s current needs. Proactively communicate findings and recommendations to board members to ensure the board is making effective decisions.
• Build and lead the audit team, establishing a new strategic direction in alignment with the NITA Act. Develop and implement innovative processes, regularly collaborating with Service Boards to review and refine operational effectiveness.
• Foster a work culture that’s focused on achieving measurable objectives by coaching staff, strengthening interagency relationships, and supporting your team. Supports the Agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity policies, goals, and objectives.
• Perform other duties and assist in special projects as required or assigned.

NITA offers a highly competitive benefits package:

• Pension plan or 401(k) salary match provided by NITA at no cost to you
• 401(k) and/or 457 plan options
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Transit ben