Senior Auditor Generalist

Georgia State University•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Georgia State University is seeking an experienced senior internal audit professional responsible for planning, performing, and reporting on complex financial, operational, and compliance audits within a university setting. Reporting to the Associate Director, the senior auditor independently develops audit objectives, designs and executes detailed audit procedures and prepares high-quality work papers and reports that require minimal revision. This position applies advanced knowledge of auditing standards and higher education operations to evaluate governance, risk management, and internal controls, ensuring the institution’s activities comply with applicable policies, laws, and regulations. The senior auditor serves as a project lead for assigned audits, coordinating tasks, monitoring timelines, and guiding and reviewing the work of staff auditors to ensure quality and timely completion. The senior auditor also acts as a primary point of contact with university administrators, faculty, and staff, communicating objectives, discussing issues, presenting recommendations, and supporting management in strengthening processes and controls.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience.
Certification in a field related to internal auditing and/or management advisory services (e.g. Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and/or Certified Fraud Examiner).
Solid understanding of audit standards and frameworks and competent in data analysis and use of audit tools.
Proficiency in identifying high-risk areas for deeper review, evaluating internal controls and recommending improvements.
Strong verbal communication and able to explain findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Active listening: understands management perspectives and incorporates them appropriately.
Ability to present audit results confidently to executives, committees, and stakeholders.
Builds productive relationships across all levels of the organization.
Influences without direct authority to achieve cooperation and buy-in.
Mentors and develops junior staff, sharing knowledge and reviewing work.
Maintains credibility, professionalism, and objectivity in sensitive situations.
Leads engagements independently from planning through reporting.
Manages multiple audits and deadlines effectively.
Ensures workpapers are accurate, thorough, and timely.
Identifies opportunities to streamline audit work and improve efficiency.
Adapts quickly to changing risks, scope adjustments, or organizational priorities.
Stays current on emerging standards, regulations, and industry practices.
Leverages technology, automation, and analytics to improve audit effectiveness.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree and 6 or more years of experience.

Responsibilities

Serves as the lead auditor and when working as a team, the auditor-in-charge by independent planning, managing and executing all phases of audit engagements and special projects with very limited supervision, producing high-quality work that requires little to no revision.
Analyzes complex risks and controls, anticipates stakeholder questions, limits the need for follow-up, and keeps the Associate Director well-informed through concise progress updates.
Provides credible actionable recommendations and guiding stakeholders toward stronger practices, ensuring each project adds meaningful value to the institution’s governance and operations.
Leads discussions with audit clients during planning, entrance, and exit meetings, using advanced communication skills to refine audit objectives and scope, present audit issues, and defend conclusions and recommendations confidently, diplomatically, and persuasively.
Maintains proactive, balanced communication that keeps audit clients fully informed while demonstrating respect for their roles and responsibilities.
Influences and guides stakeholders toward stronger practices with minimal direction, building trust through credibility and sound judgment.
Communicates audit progress and emerging issues effectively to the Associate Director, providing timely updates that anticipate questions and minimize the need for extensive follow-up.
Demonstrates preparedness and thoroughness that limit misunderstandings and reduce the need for follow-up and rework.
Independently and effectively performs data analysis and interpretation regarding trends, connecting audit issues to business impact.
Adds strategic insight and sees the ‘big picture’ and helps management improve operations.
Develops and executes audit test procedures to verify compliance with established criteria, evaluate programs, processes, internal controls, and risk management, and to ensure audit objectives are met.
Assists and guides staff auditors in developing and performing testing and applying appropriate techniques.
Creates and delivers presentations on audit plans, progress, and results to executives using clear, compelling storytelling that links detailed findings to broader organizational risks and opportunities.
Highlights root causes and bottom-line impacts, not just process breakdowns, to show how results align with strategic goals.
Handles questions and challenges directly with professionalism and composure, responding confidently and maintaining credibility while demonstrating subject matter mastery.
Develops presentations that help leaders grasp both risks and practical solutions, motivating action and reinforcing the value of internal audit’s work.
Demonstrates strong project management skills by moving beyond completing individual tasks to managing entire audit timelines and budgets, developing detailed audit plans, tracking milestones, and effectively reporting progress to audit leadership.
Serves as a project leader, coordinating resources and guiding team members to ensure work stays on track and meets established deadlines.
Monitors project risks, adjusts plans as needed, and communicates proactively to resolve obstacles.
Ensures audits are completed on time and to a high standard of quality, reinforcing the department’s commitment to delivering reliable, value-added results.
Mentors and coaches staff-level auditors by guiding them in developing audit skills, providing constructive feedback on interviews, written communication, and workpaper quality.
Models strong communication practices such as active listening, note-taking, and summarizing key points to ensure clarity and shared understanding.