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

About the job

Responsible for implementation of Audit and Compliance functions, the  Senior or Principal Auditor demonstrates a high level of experience and depth of knowledge and may interface with internal/external entities by submitting reports and other required documentation, and handling of on-site audits. Specialized and progressively responsible experience is required for the Principal Auditor role.

POSITION IS LOCATED IN NASHVILLE, TN

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Project Planning and Management:

Conducts risk analyses to define the project objectives, scope, and methodologies. Considers financial, operational, compliance, and strategic risks associated with an organization's operations. Develop projects plans to achieve objectives, including areas of the unit's operations to be examined, and methods of data/information gathering. Organizes work, determines sequence of activities, sets priorities, and tracks progress toward project milestones. Conducts and may assign/direct work. Monitors time budgets, target dates, and deadlines for projects. Informs supervisor of project work status, potential issues and solutions, and client feedback. When applicable, coordinates the work and provides guidance to other team members.

Fieldwork Execution and Documentation:

Identifies, obtains, and analyzes appropriate data, information, and evidence to achieve the objectives of project steps by: 1) compiling and analyzing data from university information systems and other sources internal and external to the university; 2) applying and interpreting appropriate sampling techniques; 3) observing and analyzing the effectiveness and/or efficiency of operational processes; 4) preparing for and conducting interviews; 5) developing and implementing applicable questionnaires and surveys; 6) analyzing data using data analytics tools; 7) documenting all fieldwork in accordance with internal audit professional standards; 8) building positive working relationship with clients and resolving conflict; and 9) maintaining appropriate communication with clients and management in a manner consistent with university culture.

Issue Identification and Resolution:

Analyzes data, test results, and other gathered information to identify control structure deficiencies, areas of non-compliance, or other best-practice opportunities for improvement. Collaborates closely with clients to develop recommendations for potential action plans to address significant issues identified in a risk-based and cost-effective manner.

Communication and Reporting :

Collaborates effectively with clients to identify areas of improvement opportunity and develop appropriate/effective management action plans. Regularly apprise audit management and client of project status, barriers to progress, and potential issues. Leads key client interactions including the entrance and exit conferences. Drafts and reviews reports to ensure they are clear, concise, and convey needed information with consideration of the targeted audience. 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.

Consulting and Advisory Services:

Provides information and recommendations to management and may serve as member of various university committees. Occasionally receive ad hoc requests to provide information and guidance to various levels of university management on policies and procedures and best practices related to projects or as a subject matter expert. Works with audit management to coordinate ad hoc consulting advisory projects with the audit plan.

Quality Assurance and Department Initiatives:

Makes significant contributions to key department initiatives for the planning, development and implementation of audit process tools and improvements. Sets an example for the staff for knowledge and execution of proper audit technique and achievement of work paper quality standards. Provides input at the conclusion of each project including performance self-assessment and constructive feedback for other team members. Occasionally will review work papers generated by other team members to ensure proper work paper standards are met.

The distinguishing characteristics of the Principal Auditor include the following: 1) responsibilities are performed with minimal supervision and guidance; 2) there is a higher expectation in the ability to ascertain project priorities in the context of risk and the University's culture; 3) there is a higher expectation in ability to deliver high quality "value added" service while working autonomously; and 4) there is a higher expectation in accomplishing objectives in a very efficient time frame. The Principal Auditor responsibilities include leading and performing assigned audits, reviews, consulting advisory projects, investigations, and other projects that provide objective and independent evaluations and recommendations to reduce the university’s risk and improve its operations. The purposes of these projects are generally to determine the effectiveness of operational policies, procedures, and controls; efficiency of operations; compliance with internal policies or external regulations; existence of fraud, waste, or abuse; and may include developing recommendations to address related issues. The Principal Auditor conducts the more complex projects in the department. The Principal Auditor occasionally will lead project teams and may supervise others when conducting audit or investigative work. The Principal Auditor serves as a resource to the department and the university at large.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in accounting or other relevant field and at least three years of progressive experience for the Senior Auditor role and more than five years of progressive experience for the Principal Auditor role.  Experience should be in internal or external auditing, consulting, investigations, or other applicable experience which involves evaluating controls, risk, and governance in business processes; the efficiency and effectiveness of operations; and compliance with policies/regulations/laws.  Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, or other relevant designation required.

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 work papers 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 feedback to team members on a project basis
• Ability and willingness to travel
• 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 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 and mature professional judgment when evaluating audit evidence and formulating recommendations

Preferred qualifications:

Experience in an internal audit function. Project management experience. Experience working independently, reviewing workpapers, and managing multiple ongoing projects. Experience with data analytics tools and audit management software. Experience auditing or performing similar work in higher education.

Additional preferred qualificators include:

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

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 budged for - Senior Auditor $70,000 to $93,515.44 and Principal Auditor $90,000 to $113,153.00.

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 state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

About Us

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.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 10538
• Job Category: Audit & Compliance
• Posting Date: 2026-10-28
• Job Schedule: Full time
• Locations: 400 W Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37902, US ()