Inside Higher Ed
Auditor, IT and Research
Georgia State University is seeking a Research Auditor who will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness of internal controls, compliance, and risk management related to sponsored research at the university.
This includes conducting audits and reviews of grants, contracts, and research administration processes to ensure alignment with federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance), sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
The role involves planning and executing audit procedures, analyzing data, communicating with research stakeholders, and developing recommendations to strengthen accountability, compliance, and operational efficiency.
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
Under limited supervision, perform audit procedures related to research compliance, grants management, and sponsored program activities. Execute and document testing of internal controls and business processes, focusing on federal, state, and institutional research requirements. Prepare clear, well‑organized work papers to support audit procedures and conclusions. Review grant documentation, analyze financial and programmatic data, and test compliance with applicable policies and regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, sponsor terms). Identify root causes of control or compliance issues and develop practical, risk‑based recommendations.
Lead and participate in planning meetings and periodic status updates with research administration and departmental leadership to assess and refine the audit scope. Participate in entrance and exit conferences to communicate audit objectives, preliminary observations, and final results. Communicate effectively with internal audit team members and client personnel—such as principal investigators, grant administrators, and compliance staff—through clear and professional verbal and written communication.
Demonstrate strong higher education and research acumen, with the ability to independently perform data analysis and interpret trends related to sponsored research activities. Effectively connect audit findings to broader institutional impacts, offering strategic insight to help management strengthen research operations and compliance.
Provide guidance to staff auditors in designing and executing testing procedures, ensuring appropriate application of audit techniques aligned with research‑specific audit objectives. Manage entire audit timelines and budgets, develop detailed audit plans, track milestones, and report progress to audit leadership. Ensure audits are completed on time and to a high standard of quality.
Essential Skills & Abilities
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex research and compliance matters clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
Experience in auditing research‑related activities, compliance programs, and internal controls related to sponsored projects and regulatory requirements.
Expertise in evaluating compliance areas such as grants and contracts, human subjects, animal care, export controls, research data management, and financial stewardship.
Knowledge of federal and institutional frameworks (e.g., Uniform Guidance, NIH/NSF policies, IRB/IACUC standards).
Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with faculty, researchers, administrators, and external stakeholders.
Solid understanding of research integrity principles, regulatory compliance requirements, and emerging risks in sponsored programs and academic research.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to review complex data, identify compliance gaps, and develop actionable insights.
Excellent organizational and project management abilities to lead multiple audits simultaneously and deliver high‑quality results within established timelines.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of sponsored research and information systems 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, or Certified Internal Auditor).
Master’s degree and 6 years of experience preferred.
Location:
Atlanta Campus
Job Posting Date:
09/15/25
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This includes conducting audits and reviews of grants, contracts, and research administration processes to ensure alignment with federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance), sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
The role involves planning and executing audit procedures, analyzing data, communicating with research stakeholders, and developing recommendations to strengthen accountability, compliance, and operational efficiency.
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
Under limited supervision, perform audit procedures related to research compliance, grants management, and sponsored program activities. Execute and document testing of internal controls and business processes, focusing on federal, state, and institutional research requirements. Prepare clear, well‑organized work papers to support audit procedures and conclusions. Review grant documentation, analyze financial and programmatic data, and test compliance with applicable policies and regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, sponsor terms). Identify root causes of control or compliance issues and develop practical, risk‑based recommendations.
Lead and participate in planning meetings and periodic status updates with research administration and departmental leadership to assess and refine the audit scope. Participate in entrance and exit conferences to communicate audit objectives, preliminary observations, and final results. Communicate effectively with internal audit team members and client personnel—such as principal investigators, grant administrators, and compliance staff—through clear and professional verbal and written communication.
Demonstrate strong higher education and research acumen, with the ability to independently perform data analysis and interpret trends related to sponsored research activities. Effectively connect audit findings to broader institutional impacts, offering strategic insight to help management strengthen research operations and compliance.
Provide guidance to staff auditors in designing and executing testing procedures, ensuring appropriate application of audit techniques aligned with research‑specific audit objectives. Manage entire audit timelines and budgets, develop detailed audit plans, track milestones, and report progress to audit leadership. Ensure audits are completed on time and to a high standard of quality.
Essential Skills & Abilities
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex research and compliance matters clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
Experience in auditing research‑related activities, compliance programs, and internal controls related to sponsored projects and regulatory requirements.
Expertise in evaluating compliance areas such as grants and contracts, human subjects, animal care, export controls, research data management, and financial stewardship.
Knowledge of federal and institutional frameworks (e.g., Uniform Guidance, NIH/NSF policies, IRB/IACUC standards).
Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with faculty, researchers, administrators, and external stakeholders.
Solid understanding of research integrity principles, regulatory compliance requirements, and emerging risks in sponsored programs and academic research.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to review complex data, identify compliance gaps, and develop actionable insights.
Excellent organizational and project management abilities to lead multiple audits simultaneously and deliver high‑quality results within established timelines.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of sponsored research and information systems 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, or Certified Internal Auditor).
Master’s degree and 6 years of experience preferred.
Location:
Atlanta Campus
Job Posting Date:
09/15/25
#J-18808-Ljbffr