Senior Auditor

The Auditor III (Senior Auditor) is a senior-level position responsible for leading complex internal audit projects and investigations, providing consulting to the administration on key initiatives, and ensuring the achievement of the University's goals. Reporting to the chief audit executive, this position plans, performs, and documents risk-based operational, financial, and compliance audit and advisory projects independently to evaluate university governance, risk management, and control processes. This position performs all phases of internal audits including planning, preparing audit programs, evaluating risks and controls, testing control effectiveness, drafting audit reports for presentation to the auditee and management, and monitoring the status of audit recommendations.

In this role, the Auditor III will collaborate with cross-functional teams, utilizing advanced audit skills to contribute to the success of the audit function. They will provide advice to the administration on high-level decisions, drawing from comprehensive knowledge of audit practices, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate for the Auditor III position will have extensive experience in internal auditing or related field, including experience with complex audits and investigations. They will possess strong critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills, with a commitment to integrity and professionalism. The Auditor III will work independently, ensuring that audits meet industry standards, current laws, and University policies. Minimal travel may be required within the state of Arizona.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Audit Planning and Execution

• Actively participates in the annual internal audit plan creation process.
• Performs planning activities with the audit client to gain an understanding of the strategies, objectives, risks, and controls relevant to the activity under review.
• Designs audit objectives and procedures, prepares audit programs, and performs audits, which consist of examinations for adherence to accepted standards as well as for adequacy of controls, effectiveness and efficiency, compliance with legal requirements, and consistency with management objectives.
• Conducts entrance meetings and performs operational, financial, and compliance audit procedures of university departments, processes, and procedures.

Communication and Documentation

• Communicates with auditee, providing regular status updates.
• Prepares clear, concise audit working papers, to include sufficient documentation to support procedures completed, results, and conclusions.
• Drafts potential audit observations and recommendations.
• Drafts audit reports and conducts closing meetings with audit clients to discuss observations, recommendations, and management responses.

Follow-up and Evaluation

• Evaluates adequacy of the management responses for corrective action to ensure responses are accurate, complete, and reflect the position of the University.
• Performs follow-up reviews to evaluate the implementation of action plans.

Special Projects and Advisory Services

• Performs special audit projects as assigned by the chief audit executive.
• Performs advisory services with university departments as requested.

Professional Development

• Completes 40 hours of continuing professional education annually.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of internal auditing standards (GAAS, IIA) and compliance regulations.
• Knowledge of risk assessment processes and control frameworks (e.g., COSO).
• Strong analytical skills to review complex data and identify discrepancies or inefficiencies.
• Skilled in preparing clear, concise audit reports that communicate findings and recommendations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with stakeholders.
• Ability to think critically and creatively to solve problems and make recommendations.
• Project management skills to manage multiple audit projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain professional relationships with auditees and management.
• Thorough knowledge and experience applying auditing theory and practice in accordance with the International Professional Practices Framework adopted by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• 5 years of auditing or related experience.
• In addition to the education and experience minimum qualifications, Professional certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) required.

• Experience with Microsoft Office software.
• Non-profit, Higher Education and/or Healthcare industry experience.
• Experience with the use of audit software and data analytics tools.