diff --git a/awx/main/models/__init__.py b/awx/main/models/__init__.py
index 0475da8eb7..3f7e309940 100644
--- a/awx/main/models/__init__.py
+++ b/awx/main/models/__init__.py
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ def user_is_system_auditor(user):
                 singleton_name='system_auditor', role_field='system_auditor').exists()
         else:
             # Odd case where user is unsaved, this should never be relied on
-            user._is_system_auditor = False
+            return False
     return user._is_system_auditor