Senior Research Auditor or Principal Research Auditor, Office of Audit and Compliance - UT Syst

Overview

Office Audit and Compliance seeks either a Senior Research Auditor or Principal Research Auditor.

Responsible for implementation of Audit and Compliance functions, the Auditor demonstrates a high level of experience and depth of knowledge and may interface with internal/external entities by submitting reports and other required documentation, and handling on‑site audits. Specialized and progressively responsible experience is required for the Principal Auditor role.

• Under general supervision, perform varied duties requiring professional judgment based on specialty field concepts and practices.
• Analyze, evaluate, and recommend resolutions for complex issues and refer unique and highly complex issues to a higher level.
• Select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining information to draw conclusions.
• Exercise latitude to determine objectives.

• Perform responsibilities with minimal supervision and guidance.
• Ascertain project priorities in the context of risk and the University's culture.
• Deliver high quality "value‑added" service while working autonomously.
• Accomplish objectives in a very efficient time frame.

• Lead and perform assigned audits, reviews, consulting advisory projects, investigations, and other projects that provide objective and independent evaluations and recommendations to reduce the university’s risk and improve its operations.
• Determine effectiveness of operational policies, procedures, and controls; efficiency of operations; compliance with internal policies or external regulations; existence of fraud, waste, or abuse; develop recommendations to address related issues.
• Conduct more complex projects in the department; occasionally lead project teams and supervise others.
• Serve as a resource to the department and the university at large.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Experience in internal or external auditing, consulting, investigations, or related experience evaluating controls, risk, and governance.
• Minimum of 2 years for Senior Research Auditor; 5 years for Principal Research Auditor.
• Experience auditing Uniform Guidance, federal research regulations, sponsor requirements, and/or higher education research administration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of current internal audit philosophy and practices, including internal control testing techniques.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise work papers and comprehensive reports, interpreting and applying policies and regulations, and conducting interviews.
• Ability to organize work, conceptualize and prioritize objectives, evaluate evidence, and exercise independent judgment based on University of Tennessee policies and regulations.
• Ability to coach, motivate, and provide feedback to team members on a project basis.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Knowledge and awareness of necessity to maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
• Sense of urgency in approaching internal audit responsibilities.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel; ability to use other audit software.
• Ability to handle multiple ongoing projects and independently establish priorities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent and mature professional judgment when evaluating audit evidence and formulating recommendations.
• Ability to build strategic relationships with campus and system business partners.

• Experience in an internal audit function.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working independently, reviewing work papers, and managing multiple ongoing projects.
• Experience with data analytics tools and audit management software.
• Experience auditing or performing similar work in higher education.

Compensation: $85,000 – $95,000 for Senior Auditor; $95,000 – $105,000 for Principal Auditor, depending on experience, knowledge and skills of selected candidate.

Comprehensive benefits package includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and families, generous retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, and Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax.