Principal Associate Research Auditor

Job Description

Under the general direction of Audit and Advisory Services management, the Principal Associate is responsible for leading and executing audits of sponsored research activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements. This role evaluates internal controls, financial and operational processes, and regulatory compliance related to externally funded research awards. The Principal Associate serves as a subject matter expert on sponsored programs and provides consultative guidance to research administration, principal investigators (PIs), and institutional leadership.

This position requires deep knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex compliance matters clearly and effectively.

• Advanced knowledge of the audit profession, theories and systems of internal control, and professional auditing standards.
• Broad and thorough knowledge of finance, accounting, business and systems operations.
• Skills to determine and apply appropriate policies and practices in the completion of audit assignments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work independently with all levels of University personnel, including management and faculty, and to facilitate agreement on issues and corrective actions.
• May require specialized expertise in enterprise software and relational databases.
• 5+ years of experience in auditing sponsored research, research administration, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of the audit profession, theories and systems of internal control, and professional auditing standards.
• Broad and thorough knowledge of finance, accounting, business and systems operations.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state requirements covering university research compliance activities.
• Advanced analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations.
• Skills to determine and apply appropriate policies and practices in the completion of audit assignments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work independently with all levels of University personnel, including management and faculty, and to facilitate agreement on issues and corrective actions.
• Ability to multitask in getting assigned work completed timely and adapt to unexpected changes in work assignments and priorities B.A. or B.S. degree in related area and 5-10 years relevant experience and /or equivalent experience/training Professional auditing or accounting certification in one or more of the following: CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE.

• Specialized expertise in enterprise software and relational databases; data analytical skills Experience working with computer assisted auditing tools (e.g. ACL) and automated work papers.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient working with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in auditing in large research universities or academic medical centers.
• Specialized certification in Healthcare, Sponsored Research and/or Compliance Professional Certification: CPA, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner or CISA