Principal Auditor, Audit & Advisory Services

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Audit and Advisory Services assists all levels of University management in the discharge of their oversight, management and operating responsibilities by providing relevant, timely, independent assurance, advisory and investigative services using a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate risk and improve the effectiveness of control and governance processes.

Position Summary

Involves auditing for compliance with laws, policies, and good business practices, reporting findings and making recommendations to implement improvements. Evaluates the adequacy of internal controls; the effectiveness of policies and procedures; searches for value-added recommendations to improve the efficiency and contribution of the function under review.

This position is eligible for a fully remote work arrangement, with the requirement of reporting to campus as needed for projects or other business needs. Specific work arrangements will be determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet the responsibilities of the role and the department's needs, and are subject to change.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: September 3, 2026

Responsibilities

• Performs and/or leads audit projects of substantial complexity and scope in accordance with professional standards.
• Involves preliminary survey and risk assessment activities.
• Designs appropriate audit programs and procedures to accomplish review objectives.
• Works within project budgeted hours and timelines as established by management.
• Performs work consistent with external professional standards and the systemwide Internal Audit Manual.
• Conducts testing based on approved audit programs of the broadest scope and complexity, which may include tests of the financial and operating system processes, to identify internal control weaknesses and audit issues.
• Applies advanced auditing concepts and utilizes advanced auditing tools (including data analysis) to perform highly complex technical analyses.
• Develops formal written reports to communicate audit results, and makes recommendations as appropriate.
• Presents results to senior leadership, as appropriate.
• Follows up on management corrective actions to ensure completion and escalate issues requiring management attention in a timely manner.
• May assist the Director and/or Associate Director on special projects and evaluating topical areas for the annual audit risk assessment.
• May represent Audit and Advisory Services on key campus committees.
• Respond to requests for management consultations and advisory services.
• May conduct investigations and assist with evaluation of allegations of improper government acts.
• Following full scope of investigation, recommends whether an allegation is substantiated.
• May be responsible for information technology auditing and/or advisory services including evaluation of general and security controls at the network, operating system, application, and/or data layers.
• May independently manage specialized audit programs such as IT systems audits or investigations.
• Keeps abreast with latest technology developments and leverage technology, automated audit tools and data analytics to deliver insightful audit services in an effective and efficient manner
• May coordinate external agency information requests and site visits; analyzes documentation to identify potential risks areas, facilitates review of external audit reports and findings, including management response.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of audit profession and function, theories and systems of internal control, and professional auditing standards.
• Broad and thorough knowledge of finance, accounting, business and systems operations.
• Skills and knowledge to determine and apply appropriate policies and practices in the completion of audit assignments.
• Professional judgment to select audit methods, techniques and evaluation criteria.
• Possesses an understanding of the interrelationship of procedures and desired results.
• Ability to research, synthesize, and analyze complex issues and technical topics with little or no campus precedent.
• Ability to identify, verify, and develop findings and recommendations related to audit results, and to present complex audit findings in a clear, concise and impactful manner for senior levels of management, both in writing and verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work independently with all levels of University personnel, including management and faculty, and to facilitate agreement on issues and corrective actions.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as independently.
• Experience with commonly used industry and internal control frameworks such as COSO and/or COBIT.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• May require specialized expertise in auditing enterprise software, relational databases, and other IT topics.
• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Related professional certification (CIA, CISA, CPA, CISSP, GIAC or equivalent).

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.