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

Senior Research Auditor Or Principal Research Auditor

The Office Audit and Compliance is seeking either a Senior Research Auditor or Principal Research Auditor. Responsible for implementation of Audit and Compliance functions, the 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.

Responsibilities

The Senior Research Auditor will:

• Under general supervision, performs varied duties requiring professional judgment based on specialty field concepts and practices.
• Analyzes, evaluates, and recommends resolutions for complex issues and refers unique and highly complex issues to a higher level.
• Selects methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining information to draw conclusions.
• Exercises latitude to determine objectives.

The distinguishing characteristics of Principal Research Auditor position as compared to the Senior Research Auditor include the following:

• Responsibilities are performed with minimal supervision and guidance.
• There is a higher expectation in the ability to ascertain project priorities in the context of risk and the University's culture.
• There is a higher expectation in ability to deliver high quality "value added" service while working autonomously.
• There is a higher expectation in accomplishing objectives in a very efficient time frame.

The Principal Research 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 Research Auditor conducts the more complex projects in the department. The Principal Research Auditor occasionally will lead project teams and may supervise others when conducting audit or investigative work. The Principal Research Auditor serves as a resource to the department and the university at large.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting or other related field. and experience in internal or external auditing, consulting, investigations, or other applicable experience which involves evaluating controls, risk, and governance in business. Certification (CIA, CPA, CISA) is required.

Senior Research Auditor requires a minimum of 2 years of experience.

Principal Research Auditor requires a minimum of 5 years of experience.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

• Experience auding Uniform Guidance, federal research regulations, sponsor requirements, and/or higher education research administration
• 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 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
• Ability to build strategic relationships with campus and system business partners

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.

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 CompensationCompensation for the position is budgeted for $85,000 - $95,000 for Senior Audit and a salary range of $95,000 - $105,000 for Principal Auditor, depending on experience, knowledge and skills of selected candidate.

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

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 8479
• Job Category Audit & Compliance
• Posting Date 06/15/2026, 04:04 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 400 W Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37902, US