Senior Auditor - Research

Senior Auditor - Research Auditing and Advisory Services

Georgia State University is seeking an experienced senior internal audit professional responsible for planning, performing, and reporting on complex financial, operational, and compliance audits within a university setting. Reporting to the Associate Director, the senior auditor independently develops audit objectives, designs and executes detailed audit procedures and prepares high-quality work papers and reports that require minimal revision. This position applies advanced knowledge of auditing standards and higher education operations to evaluate governance, risk management, and internal controls, ensuring the institution's activities comply with applicable policies, laws, and regulations. The senior auditor serves as a project lead for assigned audits, coordinating tasks, monitoring timelines, and guiding and reviewing the work of staff auditors to ensure quality and timely completion. The senior auditor also acts as a primary point of contact with university administrators, faculty, and staff, communicating objectives, discussing issues, presenting recommendations, and supporting management in strengthening processes and controls.

WHAT MAKES The Office of Auditing and Advisory Services A GREAT PLACE?

• Comprehensive Benefits – Enjoy a competitive package that includes health, dental, vision, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and more.
• Collaborative Environment – Be part of a knowledge-sharing team that works closely with diverse partners across the university.
• Growth & Development – Take advantage of professional development, training, and mentorship opportunities to advance your career.
• Impactful Work – Contribute to a rapidly growing office within a dynamic academic setting, where your expertise supports innovation, risk management, and continuous improvement.

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Serves as the lead auditor and, when working as a team, the auditor‑in‑charge, independently planning, managing, and executing all phases of audit engagements and special projects—including research and sponsored programs audits—with very limited supervision. Produces high‑quality work that requires little to no revision. Analyzes complex risks and controls across decentralized environments, including grant administration, effort reporting, cost allowability, data stewardship, and compliance monitoring, and anticipates stakeholder questions. Keeps the Associate Director well‑informed through concise progress updates and actionable insights.
• Leads discussions with audit clients during planning, entrance, and exit meetings, using advanced communication skills to refine audit objectives and scope, present audit issues, and defend conclusions and recommendations confidently, diplomatically, and persuasively. Effectively engages research leadership, principal investigators, research administration, and compliance offices, maintaining proactive and balanced communication while demonstrating respect for academic and operational realities. Builds credibility and trust through sound judgment, preparation, and clarity.
• Demonstrates strong business and higher education acumen, independently performing data analysis and interpretation to assess trends and connect audit issues to institutional, financial, and compliance impact. Develops and executes audit procedures to evaluate compliance with sponsor requirements, research regulations, institutional policies, and internal controls across the research lifecycle. Assists and guides staff auditors in applying appropriate testing techniques in both administrative and research‑focused audits.
• Creates and delivers executive‑level presentations on audit plans, progress, and results, clearly linking detailed findings from research and compliance audits to broader institutional risks, funding exposure, reputational considerations, and operational effectiveness. Highlights root causes and practical solutions, handles questions with professionalism and composure, and reinforces the value of internal audit as a strategic partner.
• Demonstrate strong project management skills by moving beyond completing individual tasks to managing entire audit timelines and budgets, developing detailed audit plans, tracking milestones, and effectively reporting progress to audit leadership. Serve as a project leader, coordinating resources and guiding team members to ensure work stays on track and meets established deadlines. Monitors project risks, adjusts plans as needed, and communicates proactively to resolve obstacles. Ensures audits are completed on time and to a high standard of quality, reinforcing the department's commitment to delivering reliable, value-added results.
• Mentors and coaches staff‑level auditors, providing guidance on audit planning, interview techniques, documentation, and workpaper quality. The senior auditor models effective communication practices and reinforces clarity, independence, and professional judgment.

Qualifications :

Minimum Hiring Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience. Certification in a field related to internal auditing, information technology, and/or management advisory services (e.g. Certified Public Accountant, Certified Information Systems Auditor and/or Certified Internal Auditor).

Preferred Hiring Qualifications:

Masters degree and 6 or more years of experience.

Salary offers will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications in relation to the Minimum Hiring Standards. Candidates earlier in their careers are typically offered salaries closer to the minimum of the hiring range, while those with more advanced or relevant experience may be considered for compensation at or above the hiring range.