Senior or Principal Auditor, Office of Audit and Compliance - UT System Administration

University of Tennessee•Nashville, TN

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior or Principal Auditor is responsible for implementing Audit and Compliance functions within the UT System Administration Office of Audit and Compliance. The role requires substantial experience and knowledge and may involve submitting reports and other documentation to internal or external entities and conducting on-site audits. The position is located in Nashville, Tennessee. The Principal Auditor handles more complex projects, works with minimal supervision, and is expected to prioritize work based on risk and university culture, deliver value-added service autonomously, and complete objectives efficiently. Principal Auditor projects may include audits, reviews, advisory work, investigations, and other independent evaluations and recommendations designed to reduce university risk and improve operations. The Principal Auditor may lead project teams and occasionally supervise others, and serves as a resource to the department and university.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting or another relevant field.
For the Senior Auditor role, at least three years of progressive experience; for the Principal Auditor role, more than five years of progressive experience.
Experience in internal or external auditing, consulting, investigations, or other applicable work evaluating controls, risk, governance, operational efficiency and effectiveness, and compliance with policies, regulations, or laws.
Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, or another relevant designation.
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 project-based feedback to team members.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Awareness of the need to maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
Ability to maintain a sense of urgency in carrying out internal audit responsibilities.
Competence in Microsoft Word and Excel and ability to use other audit software.
Ability to build strategic relationships with campus and system business partners.
Ability to manage 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.

Nice To Haves

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.
Ability to determine project priorities and allocate project time and resources effectively.
Knowledge of the administrative operations of a higher education institution.

Responsibilities

Conduct risk analyses to define project objectives, scope, and methodologies, considering financial, operational, compliance, and strategic risks.
Develop project plans, organize and prioritize work, track milestones, and monitor budgets and deadlines.
Conduct project work and, when applicable, coordinate work and provide guidance to team members.
Keep supervisors informed about project status, potential issues and solutions, and client feedback.
Gather and analyze data, information, and evidence from university information systems and internal and external sources.
Apply and interpret sampling techniques; observe and assess operational processes; conduct interviews; and develop and implement questionnaires and surveys.
Use data analytics tools and document fieldwork in accordance with internal audit professional standards.
Build positive client relationships, resolve conflict, and maintain appropriate communication with clients and management.
Analyze data and test results to identify control deficiencies, non-compliance, and opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with clients to develop risk-based, cost-effective recommendations and management action plans.
Lead key client interactions, including entrance and exit conferences, and regularly communicate project status, barriers, and potential issues.
Draft and review clear, concise reports that convey information effectively to the intended audience.
Provide information and recommendations to management, participate in university committees as applicable, and respond to occasional ad hoc requests for guidance.
Coordinate ad hoc consulting and advisory projects with audit management and the audit plan.
Contribute to department initiatives involving audit process tools and improvements, and model proper audit techniques and work-paper quality standards.
Provide project-end self-assessments and constructive feedback to team members, and occasionally review other team members' work papers.
Lead and perform assigned audits, reviews, consulting advisory projects, investigations, and other projects that evaluate controls, operational efficiency, compliance, and potential fraud, waste, or abuse.