02/01/1985 03720

AUDIT SPECIALIST 3

DEFINITION: This is developmental 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, developmental 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 development and negotiation of substantive recommendations to adjust or modify operations 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 developmental and is distinguished from the next lower level by the performance of managerial audits where operations differ greatly by mission and operational methods, and where each audit is distinctive and the determination of what areas to examine becomes extremely important. Emphasis is placed upon the responsibility for developing audit programs which involves determining the scope, methodology and timing of audits necessary to evaluate the nature and effectiveness of procedures and controls and determining audit procedures which are not defined and are contingent upon assessing the risk associated with each area of audit interest. Work involves 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. Work includes sensitive contacts with agency representatives in the presentation of audit findings, in negotiating the acceptance of substantive recommendations, and during audit follow up, through the evaluation of written audit responses or on-site reviews to insure that corrective action has been taken where required or to ascertain if audit recommendations have been accepted and are reducing risk or improving the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of operations to a satisfactory level. Duties may include functioning as auditor-in-charge in conducting audits requiring the use of more than one auditor. Audits are performed with considerable independence within stated objectives and are reviewed by a professional superior for attainment of objectives and soundness of recommendations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs analytical, developmental and evaluative work in the examination, evaluation and development of recommendations and reports concerning the accountability and effective management and utilization of funds administered by Commonwealth agencies and recipient organizations subject to the state's examination.

Summarizes audit findings, develops substantive recommendations for remedial action, improved operations and procedures, areas for cost reduction, etc., and negotiates management's acceptance.

Researches background and general information on the organization and activities to be examined, determines which activities to examine, identifies tentative audit objectives and develops audit program for the review and testing of controls and procedures within the activities selected and objective identified.

Determines audit procedures to be used to gather relevant and material evidence on the criteria, causes and effects of each audit objective, summarizes and analyzes evidence in order to come to a conclusion on whether acceptable standards of operation were carried out in an economical, effective and efficient manner.

Develops and prepares written reports of results for management based on the examination, conclusions and supporting evidence and follows up on the effectiveness of the audit.

Analyzes auditor's reports to insure continuity, adequacy and conformance to standards, including costs and quality of work, and to detect training needs; prepares required correspondence and monitors subject follow-up action.

Surveys training needs and develops or provides training programs to improve auditor effectiveness and efficiency.

Acts as liaison and coordinates audit activities with other governmental or private examining agencies and the Bureau of Audits.

Provides technical audit assistance and expertise to agencies served including RFP development, contract language, etc.

Reviews agency replies to audit reports issued by the Auditor General or other audit organizations and Comptroller Office follow-up actions to determine the status of the implementation of recommendations.

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 current trends and developments in auditing in the Federal government, the Commonwealth and public accounting firms.

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of operational auditing.

Knowledge of the concepts, methods and techniques of modern management practices including financial management, personnel management, budgeting and general services administration.

Knowledge of electronic data processing procedures and internal controls.

Skill in negotiating management's acceptance of proposals and recommendations with executive, program management and supervisory personnel.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency executives, program directors and associates.

Ability to apply professional auditing knowledges in the development of auditing programs, selecting the auditing principles and approach best suited to each audit assignment.

Ability to effectively summarize and communicate the result of an audit in a clear, concise and constructive manner, both orally and in writing.

Ability to apply a knowledge of modern management practices and operational auditing to the evaluation of operating procedures, practices and controls, and the formulation of constructive recommendations for the modification or improvement of agency operations.

Ability to obtain personal transportation to and from work assignments.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as an Audit Specialist 2;

                                                                                                                              or

Three 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.