Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, University and Research Audit, the Associate Director for Research Audit & Investigations supports the Internal Audit Division's mission to deliver assurance and advisory services.

This position will play a critical role in evaluating internal control effectiveness, risk assessment, monitoring and compliance within research programs.

Key professional attributes include strong interpersonal skills, complex problem-solving abilities, confident communication, appropriate assertiveness, diplomacy, and personal initiative.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the Assistant Vice President in conducting the annual risk assessment and developing a risk based internal audit plan specifically focused on sponsored research programs, grants and contracts. 
• Leads the development of and executes risk-based audit plans, advisory services, and investigations covering research and sponsored research programs. These reviews will assess compliance with federal agency regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR, NIH, NSF, etc.), specific requirements, and institutional policies. 
• Evaluates internal controls across grants administration processes, including pre-award, post-award, cost allowability, effort certification, sub-recipient monitoring, and close-out processes. 
• Assists in developing and strengthening policies and procedures related to research funding and grant administration, which involves identifying potential risks or deficiencies that may arise. 
• Develops and implements automated tools, such as AI and data analytics, to support the audit lifecycle and enhance assurance efforts. 
• Monitors and reports on high-risk areas, including emerging risks and gaps in sponsored research operations. 
• Collaborates with research administration offices and leadership to enhance grant management practices, address audit findings, and strengthen grant management. 
• Serves as a subject matter expert and mentors audit staff to enhance team expertise in sponsored research audits. 
• Acts as a working manager for high-risk, complex audits that require advanced audit acumen. 
• Provides regular updates to the Assistant Vice President, including coordination and follow-up on inquiries. 
• Prepares and presents audit reports, including key findings and recommendations, to leadership. 
• Ensures timely review and implementation of management action plans or related updates as necessary. 
• Stays informed about regulatory changes impacting research compliance and advises on potential institutional consequences. 
• Participates in and supports other internal audit work (as assigned), including: investigations into potential fraud, waste, or abuse; special projects to address emerging risks or department priorities; cross-team support to other audit groups, such as healthcare, IT, or operational audits. Relationships/Personnel: 
• Develops and partners with research administration offices, principal investigators, and leadership to strengthen and promote a culture of compliance and risk awareness. 
• Coordinates with colleagues across the Division to support initiatives and projects as needed. 
• Fosters a consultative role with management and client personnel. 
• Participates in advisory groups or steering committees with clients. 
• Builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including research administrators, academic units, and external auditors. 
• Collaborates with leadership to proactively reduce risk through solution-oriented approaches. Technical Expertise: 
• Stays updated on emerging trends in research compliance, analytics, and risk management by networking with peer institutions and consultant groups. 
• Leads knowledge-sharing initiatives across the audit team and the broader institution. 
• As a technical expert, serves as the subject matter expert for the audit team on emerging risks relevant to higher education, academic medical centers, and healthcare industries. 
• Maintains expertise in grant compliance frameworks, ensuring that audits incorporate relevant financial, operational, and regulatory considerations. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field, and five years of experience in research administration, compliance, internal audit, audit advisory, or related risk evaluation.
• Two or more years of supervisory/leadership and project management experience, preferably in a large, complex, and decentralized business environment.
• A master's degree is preferred.
• Working toward professional certification (e.g., Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Research Administrator, or Certified Financial Research Administrator designation).
• Experience in not-for-profit organizations, higher education institutions, research centers, academic medical centers, and/or healthcare settings is preferred.
• A strong understanding of Uniform Guidance, federal regulations, and sponsored guidelines (e.g., NIH, NSF, etc.).
• Proficiency with grant management software (e.g., PeopleSoft Financial System and PeopleSoft Grant Module) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.