University of Tennessee

The Assistant Director performs varied and complex administrative duties, assists with directing the audit projects and human resources of the division of Audit & Compliance (A&C), conducts risk assessments and identifies projects for the annual audit plan, and serves as a resource to senior leadership at UT System Administration and/or the flagship campus or Health Science Center encompassing research, on maters of university policy and best business practices. This position oversees and administers the audit offices locally and may oversee one or more remote locations, including Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Martin, and/or Pulaski.

This position specializes in at least one high risk topic specific to higher education, such as Research Security and Compliance, Athletics, Academic Affairs, Healthcare Education and Administration, State Funding, Campus Capital Projects and Maintenance, and/or Information Technology (IT) and IT Security. This position directs, manages, and performs varied and complex audit projects and serves as a resource to management on matters of university policy and best business practices, and maintains subject matter expertise in at least one higher education high risk area. This position manages and conducts audits and consulting projects and performs other activities such as developing educational materials, conducting training, serving on committees, and providing ad hoc consulting to university management at all levels. The assistant director is responsible for recruitment, supervision, and retention of respective team members and may supervise and direct other UT System auditors for specific projects or to accomplish the department’s mission. The assistant director may also oversee system-wide projects and initiatives to accomplish the audit plan. This position concurrently directs, manages, and conducts multiple projects to completion, including drafting, editing, and finalizing written reports. The work conducted requires extensive interaction with coworkers and clients, excellent oral and written communication skills, sound judgment, and experience in handling personnel matters. This work requires a high degree of initiative and is performed under limited supervision. This position assists with administering the department and works directly with executive and senior management across the UT System. This position is a member of the A&C leadership team, reporting directly to the executive director of Internal Audit.

The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.

A Bachelor's degree in accounting or other relevant business field, information systems, public administration, higher ed administration, or other field with acceptable relevant experience. Seven years progressively responsible experience in auditing, public accounting, information systems auditing, management consulting, or investigative work, including supervisory experience. Professional certification such as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

• A breadth of knowledge of the operation of a large university system, a four-year university campus including academic areas, athletics, auxiliary services, and student services, and/or an academic health care center.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills Knowledge of current internal audit philosophy and practices.
• Skill in preparing or monitoring the preparation of comprehensive reports, interpreting and applying policies and regulations, and conducting interviews Ability to present training and information on fraud prevention, effective controls, and best practices to faculty, staff, and management.
• Ability to organize work; to conceptualize and prioritize objectives; to evaluate evidence; to exercise independent judgment based on University of Tennessee policies and regulations; to plan, implement, evaluate and report activities; to allocate the workload of employees; to provide training and supervision.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining working relationships and managing and resolving conflicts Ability to supervise multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and timeliness.
• Willingness to travel.
• Knowledge and awareness of necessity to maintain confidentiality and objectivity Demonstrated soundness of judgment necessary to act on behalf of the Associate Director.
• Ability to interact with and communicate information to senior management and the Audit and Compliance Committee Sense of urgency in approaching responsibilities.
• Competent in Microsoft Office Word and Excel

Preferred Qualifications

A Master's degree with experience with a large public university system, healthcare, academic medical center, and/or in medical billing and administration. Active participation in professional organizations in a leadership role, speaking, writing articles, or active committee participation. Experience in building, training, and developing strong audit teams.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

• Ability to lead, develop, and motivate a diverse team and to build positive working relationships at all levels.
• Ability to be nimble, flexible, and handle ambiguity well.
• Ability to communicate and demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to influence through personal credibility, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to effectively communicate both up and down to all levels of staff.
• Knowledge of risk assessment techniques.
• Ability to focus on clients and to be responsive to service standards and operational demands.

Application Process

For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Benefits and Compensation

Compensation for the position is budgeted for $120,000 to $140,000.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/