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

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

11d•$70,000 - $113,153

About The Position

The Senior or Principal Auditor is responsible for implementing Audit and Compliance functions for the UT System Administration’s Office of Audit and Compliance. The role applies substantial auditing experience and knowledge, and may interact with internal and external entities through reports, required documentation, and on-site audits. The position is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Specialized and progressively responsible experience is required for the Principal Auditor role. The Senior or Principal Auditor plans and manages audit projects by analyzing risk, defining objectives and scope, choosing methodologies, organizing work, monitoring milestones and deadlines, and communicating project status. The role conducts fieldwork by obtaining and analyzing evidence, using sampling and data analytics, observing operations, interviewing stakeholders, conducting surveys, and documenting work in accordance with internal audit professional standards. It identifies control deficiencies, noncompliance, and improvement opportunities, then collaborates with clients on risk-based and cost-effective recommendations. The position also leads client communications, including entrance and exit conferences; drafts and reviews reports; provides consulting and advisory support; and contributes to department quality assurance and process initiatives. The Principal Auditor performs more complex audits, reviews, investigations, and advisory projects with greater autonomy, may lead project teams or supervise others, and serves as a resource to the department and university. Principal Auditor work evaluates the effectiveness of policies, procedures, and controls; operational efficiency; compliance; and possible fraud, waste, or abuse. Applicants should provide a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references. Review of applications begins immediately. The University of Tennessee System describes itself as a statewide public higher education institution with campuses and institutes across Tennessee.

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 is required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of current internal audit philosophy and practices, including internal control testing techniques.
Skill in preparing clear, 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 of and commitment to maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
Ability to maintain a sense of urgency in carrying out internal audit responsibilities.
Competence with Microsoft Word and Excel and ability to use other audit software.
Ability to build strategic relationships with campus and system business partners.
Ability to handle multiple ongoing projects and independently establish priorities to meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise independent, 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 administrative operations of a higher education institution.

Responsibilities

Conduct risk analyses and define project objectives, scope, and methodologies.
Develop project plans, organize work, set priorities, track milestones, and monitor project budgets and deadlines.
Conduct project work and, when applicable, coordinate work and guide team members.
Gather and analyze data, information, and evidence from university systems and internal or external sources.
Apply and interpret sampling techniques; observe operational processes; prepare for and conduct interviews; and develop and implement questionnaires or surveys.
Use data analytics tools and document fieldwork according to internal audit professional standards.
Build positive client relationships, resolve conflict, and maintain appropriate communication with clients and management.
Analyze evidence to identify control deficiencies, noncompliance, and opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with clients to develop risk-based, cost-effective recommendations and management action plans.
Keep audit management and clients informed about project status, barriers, and potential issues.
Lead key client interactions, including entrance and exit conferences, and draft or review clear, concise reports.
Provide information and recommendations to management; respond to ad hoc requests concerning policies, procedures, best practices, and subject matter expertise.
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 uphold audit technique and work-paper quality standards.
Provide project self-assessments and constructive feedback to team members, and occasionally review other team members’ work papers.
As a Principal Auditor, lead and perform assigned audits, reviews, investigations, and advisory projects; conduct complex projects; and occasionally lead teams or supervise others.
As a Principal Auditor, provide objective and independent evaluations and recommendations intended to reduce university risk and improve operations.