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

The Senior Auditor manages projects and leads project teams of professional staff to conduct audits, consulting projects, investigations, and other projects that provide objective and independent evaluations to reduce the university’s risk and improve its operations. The purposes of these projects are generally to determine: effectiveness of operational policies and procedures; efficiency of operations; compliance with internal policies or external regulations; or existence of fraud, waste, or abuse. Occasionally, the Senior Auditor will conduct projects autonomously or join with project teams to perform duties as assigned by the project’s in-charge or supervisor.

POSITION IS LOCATED IN CHATTANOOGA, TN

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Project Planning and Management

Develops or oversees development of project plans to achieve objectives, including all areas of the unit’s operations to be examined, the data and information to be gathered, and the methods of data/information gathering to be used. Conducts or oversees risk analyses to define the project objectives, scope, and methodologies. The risk analyses considers the financial, operational, compliance, and/or strategic risks associated with an organizational unit’s operations. Coordinates the work of other team members. Provides needed guidance and instruction to other team members. Assigns work, monitors time budgets and target dates for team member assignments, and monitors project budget and deadlines. Informs supervisor, when applicable, about status of the audit work performed, potential issues and solutions, and client feedback.

Fieldwork Execution and Documentation

Collects and analyzes appropriate types of information, data, and evidence to achieve the objectives of project steps by 1.) Compiling data from the university’s information systems and other sources internal and external to the university, 2.) Applying appropriate sampling techniques, 3.) Collecting documents, 4.) Observing processes and controls, 5.) Preparing for and conducting interviews, 6.) Using questionnaires and surveys 7.) Utilizing data analytics or other methodologies, as needed

Prepares thorough, well-organized, and self-explanatory work papers to support conclusions reached and demonstrate achievement of objectives.

Quality Assurance and Improvement Activities

Provides first or final review of work papers generated by other team members. Reviews reports drafted by other team members to ensure reports are clear, concise, and convey needed information. Evaluates the effectiveness of the audit process at the conclusion of each project. Provides formal feedback to team members at the end of projects. Participates in long-range planning, development of audit tools, and improvements to office practices.

Issue Identification and Resolution

Analyzes data and information gathered or oversees analysis to identify issues, such as ineffectiveness of policies and procedures in addressing risks, areas of noncompliance, inefficiencies of operations, or evidence of fraudulent acts. Identifies potential solutions for significant issues that address any deficiencies or offer operational improvements, ensuring the solutions are cost-effective and feasible to implement.

Client Communication and Audit Reporting

Negotiates with audit clients to arrive at sound/effective recommendations. Apprises client of project status, barriers to progress, and potential issues. Leads entrance and exit conferences. Drafts project reports or reviews reports drafted by team members. Evaluates client’s written responses to recommendations. Clearly conveys information and ideas in a manner that engages the listener or reader, helps them understand and retain the message, and invites response and feedback. Composes and/or modifies communication depending on the targeted audience.

Bachelor's degree in accounting or other relevant field and more than two years experience in internal auditing, information systems auditing, consulting, investigations, or other applicable experience which involves evaluating controls over business processes, the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, and compliance with policies/regulations/laws. Experience developing project plans to achieve risk-based project objectives in a complex environment. Professional certification required, such as CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE, etc.

Additional required qualifications include:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Knowledge of current internal audit philosophy and practices, including knowledge of internal control testing techniques

Skill in preparing clear and concise workpapers and comprehensive reports, interpreting and applying policies and regulations, and conducting interviews

Ability to organize work; to conceptualize and prioritize objectives; to evaluate evidence; and to exercise independent judgment based on University of Tennessee policies and regulations

Ability to coach, motivate, and provide performance feedback to team members

Knowledge and awareness of necessity to maintain confidentiality and objectivity

Ability to maintain a sense of urgency in approaching internal audit responsibilities

Competent in Microsoft Office Word and Excel and 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

Preferred

Master's degree and experience leading audit teams, reviewing work papers, and managing multiple ongoing projects. Experience in an internal audit function. Experience with data analytics tools. Experience auditing in higher education or working in an administrative role in higher education. Supervisory and project management experience.

Additional preferred qualificators included:

Ability to determine team priorities and allocate time and resources effectively.

Knowledge of administrative operations of a higher education institution.

Competency in data analysis software. Familiarity with rules and regulations involving externally sponsored research.

Application Process For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Benefits and Compensation Compensation for the position is budgeted for $70,000 - $85,000

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit   https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.