Senior Auditor - Research

Georgia State University; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits

Collaborative Environment

Growth & Development

Impactful Work

Job summary

Georgia State University is seeking a Senior Auditor responsible for planning and performing complex audits. The position demands a Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of experience in internal auditing, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage audit projects. A Master's degree is preferred. This role offers competitive benefits, a collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth. The Senior Auditor will guide staff auditors, communicate audit findings, and ensure compliance with regulations and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in internal auditing or related field.
• Certification in internal auditing or IT management (CPA, CISA, CIA).
• Master's degree and 6+ years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute complex financial, operational, and compliance audits.
• Lead audit discussions with stakeholders and present recommendations.
• Develop and execute audit procedures for compliance assessment.
• Deliver executive-level presentations linking findings to institutional risks.
• Coordinate audit timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure quality.
• Mentor and coach staff auditors on audit processes.

Skills

Advanced communication skills

Strong project management skills

Data analysis and interpretation

Business and higher education acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Audit software

Job description

Senior Auditor - Research

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 – Competitive package that includes health, dental, vision, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and more.
• Collaborative Environment – Knowledge‑sharing team that works closely with diverse partners across the university.
• Growth & Development – 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

• Serve 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. Produce high‑quality work that requires little to no revision. Analyze complex risks and controls across decentralized environments, including grant administration, effort reporting, cost allowability, data stewardship, and compliance monitoring, and anticipate stakeholder questions. Keep the Associate Director well‑informed through concise progress updates and actionable insights.
• Lead 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. Engage research leadership, principal investigators, research administration, and compliance offices, maintaining proactive and balanced communication while demonstrating respect for academic and operational realities. Build credibility and trust through sound judgment, preparation, and clarity.
• Demonstrate 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. Develop and execute audit procedures to evaluate compliance with sponsor requirements, research regulations, institutional policies, and internal controls across the research lifecycle. Assist and guide staff auditors in applying appropriate testing techniques in both administrative and research‑focused audits.
• Create and deliver 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. Highlight root causes and practical solutions, handle questions with professionalism and composure, and reinforce the value of internal audit as a strategic partner.
• Demonstrate strong project management skills by 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. Monitor project risks, adjust plans as needed, and communicate proactively to resolve obstacles. Ensure audits are completed on time and to a high standard of quality, reinforcing the department’s commitment to delivering reliable, value‑added results.
• Mentor and coach 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

• Master's 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.