Senior Franchise Auditor

Senior Franchise Auditor

Hendersonville, TN (Hybrid)

GSD Search is partnering with a well-established national franchise organization to identify a Senior Franchise Auditor to join their growing audit team. This role is ideal for an experienced auditor who enjoys owning the full audit lifecycle while also building strong relationships with business partners.

The Senior Franchise Auditor will conduct complex royalty and compliance audits across franchise locations while serving as a mentor to junior auditors on the team. This position requires someone who can manage multiple audits simultaneously, communicate effectively with franchise owners and leadership teams, and confidently navigate detailed financial reviews.

This is a hybrid position based in Hendersonville, TN, with a collaborative audit team and a structured onboarding period that includes additional time onsite during the first month of training.

What You'll Do

Lead and Execute Franchise Audits

• Manage the full lifecycle of franchise royalty audits from initial notification through final reporting and resolution
• Conduct detailed financial reviews to verify accuracy of reported royalties using financial statements, tax filings, and bank records
• Identify discrepancies, compliance issues, and reporting gaps while documenting findings clearly and professionally
• Ensure audit findings are resolved and financial adjustments are collected when applicable

Manage Multiple Audits and Projects

• Independently manage a portfolio of approximately 1012 audits in rotation, each progressing through different phases of the audit process
• Coordinate timelines, documentation requests, and follow-ups to ensure audits move forward efficiently
• Maintain organization across multiple franchise locations and ownership groups

Partner Directly with Franchise Owners

• Communicate audit findings with franchise owners, office managers, controllers, or other designated contacts
• Navigate sensitive conversations professionally while maintaining strong working relationships
• Provide guidance on reporting expectations and royalty compliance

Support and Mentor the Audit Team

• Provide guidance and mentorship to Franchise Auditors and junior team members
• Assist with training, documentation updates, and departmental best practices
• Help identify trends across audit findings and contribute to process improvements

Contribute to Departmental Initiatives

• Support royalty risk assessments and rotational audit planning
• Assist with audit methodology improvements and internal documentation
• Participate in special projects and initiatives led by audit leadership

What Makes This Role Unique

• Auditors fully own their audits from start to finish rather than supporting small portions of a project
• The role combines technical audit work with relationship management, requiring both financial expertise and strong communication skills
• Audits typically take approximately four months from start to finish, allowing for deep analysis and meaningful impact

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years of auditing experience (internal audit, compliance audit, financial audit, or royalty audit)
• Experience managing audits independently and owning deliverables
• Comfortable communicating directly with business partners or external stakeholders
• Strong analytical and investigative mindset with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Strong Excel skills and experience with accounting systems such as QuickBooks or similar platforms
• Ability to interpret financial documentation, agreements, and compliance requirements

Preferred Background

• Experience in franchise, royalty, or compliance auditing
• Public accounting or consulting experience
• Background interacting directly with clients or operational business units
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• CPA or CIA certification is a plus

Work Environment

• Hybrid work schedule based in Hendersonville, TN
• During onboarding, employees spend four days per week onsite for the first month for training and team integration
• After training, the schedule typically transitions to three days onsite per week
• Fast-paced environment with a collaborative team of audit professionals

About GSD Search

GSD Search partners with growing organizations across the country to help them identify high-impact professionals in finance, technology, and operations. Our focus is simple: connect great people with opportunities where they can make a measurable impact.