02/01/1985 03710

AUDIT SPECIALIST 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional work in the managerial auditing of organizations, programs, activities and functions for the Office of the Budget.

An employee in this class performs analytical and evaluative work in the examination, evaluation and reporting on the accountability and effective management and utilization of funds administered by Commonwealth agencies and recipient organizations and in the formulation and negotiation of substantive recommendations to adjust or modify operations in order to insure compliance with Federal, state or departmental laws, regulations and policies and improve the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Work at this level is distinguished from the next lower level by the range and scope of auditing programs assigned. Emphasis at this level is placed upon conducting audits under a variety of Federal and state laws, rules, policies and programs, where entities differ by operational methods, mission and objectives, and guidelines have been established; or upon performing audit assignments as auditor-in-charge of limited audits requiring the use of more than one auditor on a regular and recurring basis. Work involves reviewing financial management and internal control systems, financial transactions and accounts, and financial statements and reports to determine whether there is effective control and proper accounting for funds; that statements are presented fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; that financial reports contain accurate and reliable information, and are presented in accordance with the terms of applicable agreements and regulations; and, that the expenditure of funds is in conformance with applicable laws and regulations. Work includes reviewing, appraising and reporting on the effectiveness of management systems and controls, and the economy and efficiency of resource utilization; ascertaining the extent of conformance with established policies, procedures, standards and applicable laws and regulations; insuring that operations are carried out in an economical and efficient manner; developing substantive recommendations for operational improvements, areas for cost reduction, and correction of control or procedural deficiencies based on the auditor's findings and conclusions; conducting entrance- and exit- audit conferences; and on-site interviews with staff to gather information during the audit process; discussing audit findings and negotiating the acceptance of substantive recommendations with program or operational managers; and the follow up of audit exceptions and recommendations through written audit responses or on-site reviews, to insure that corrective action has been taken where required or to ascertain if recommendations have been accepted and implemented. Assistance may be provided to auditees in the design or modification of financial, accounting, internal control or management systems. Audits are performed within the prescribed procedures, objectives and scope of the assignment, however, subsequent findings may warrant an expansion of the original audit program to meet audit objectives. Supervisory guidance is available in exceptional situations. Completed audits are reviewed by a professional superior for conformance to established policies, procedures, standards and timeframes, and for the validity of conclusions and recommendations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Examines, evaluates and develops recommendations and reports concerning the accountability and effective management and utilization of funds administered by Commonwealth organizations, programs, activities and functions and by entities subject to the state's examination.

Conducts audits of subgrantees, contractors, grantees, businesses, local governmental entities and other organizations receiving funds under the various programs administered by departments serviced.

Conducts audits of the programs, activities and functions of the agencies serviced at regional, field, district and central offices and makes recommendations for such actions as staff reductions, improved cash management practices and other methods for controlling costs and improving internal operations using established audit programs.

Negotiates management's acceptance of proposals and recommendations for increased accountability and improved economy, efficiency and effectiveness of internal operations.

Makes work assignments, reviews team members' completed reports and recommendations, provides guidance to audit team members and prepares comprehensive audit reports as auditor-in-charge.

Reviews Federal and state laws, rules, regulations and policies; grant agreements and contracts, prior audit workpapers and reports, etc., in order to become familiar with the operation and controls governing the audit subject.

Reviews audit reports issued by private examining agencies to determine the adequacy and conformance of the audit to audit policies, regulations and standards.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the concepts, theories, principles and practices of accounting including general accounting, fund accounting, cost accounting, analysis of financial statements, systems of accounting and auditing.

Knowledge of electronic data processing procedures and internal controls.

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of statistical sampling used in auditing.

Skill in conducting interviews, making inquiries to gather information, explaining compliance matters and negotiating management's acceptance of substantive recommendations to adjust or modify operations.

Ability to draw conclusions, formulate and express recommendations appropriate in view of the audit work performed and consistent with documented findings in a clear, concise and constructive manner, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with auditees, associates and superiors.

Ability to read, interpret and determine compliance with procedures, agreements, contracts, policies, legislation, rules and regulations controlling the activity being audited.

Ability to apply a knowledge of sampling techniques in selecting the appropriate methods for testing and evaluating data.

Ability to investigate thoroughly and to document investigative work.

Ability to select the auditing procedures and approach best suited to the audit assignment within established guidelines.

Ability to effectively conduct audits under a variety of Federal, state and agency laws, policies, rules and regulations, programs and operational methods.

Ability to effectively direct the activities of a team of auditors during the performance of an audit.

Ability to follow transactions maintained and reported through electronic data processing procedures.

Ability to obtain personal transportation to and from work assignments.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as an Audit Specialist 1;

                                                                                                                       or

Two years of professional auditing experience and a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by eighteen [18] credits in accounting and auditing;

                                                                                                                      or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which included the required eighteen [18] credits in accounting and auditing.