Definition
This is the journey, occupational or working level of the series. Positions plan and conduct risk based audits and consulting engagements for the agency, and audits private organizations, local governments or non-profits. Plans and conducts assigned engagements or assists higher level auditors. Conducts work in accordance with applicable professional standards including the Institute of Internal Audit Standards, and Government Auditing Standards, as well as federal and state laws, and regulations.
Typical Work
Performs risk based audits and consulting engagements for the agency, and audits of private organizations, local governments or non-profits. Includes planning, fieldwork, preparing work papers, and drafting reports;
Delivers the services of value for management as part of an approved annual work plan or at the request of management and the Director of Internal Audit, to help management evaluate and improve internal control, risk management, and the governance process;
Develops efficient and effective engagement procedures, which will require the Audit Specialist to analyze, evaluate, and verify financial records, information systems, procedures, and controls supporting the area being audited; determines if an organization is in compliance with federal, state, and agency requirements, provides other guidance as part of both formal and informal consulting engagements;
Audits of private organizations can include pre-award or post-award review of costs, rates and systems;
May assist in fraud, citizen complaint, and other special investigations;
Researches and analyzes the Washington State Ethics Law in order to respond to agency and employee inquiries;
Confers with auditee/customer staff during engagements on recommended changes and on investigative activities;
Participates in or conducts entrance and exit conferences or interviews with internal and external management; under supervision recommends changes which will improve accountability over public assets, financial records, systems procedures and controls, or which will bring the agency into legal compliance; advises management on implementing changes;
Prepares reports with results of audit and consulting engagements and ensures that conclusions are supported and appropriate audit standards are met;
Performs pre-award evaluations of proposals for consulting agreements to determine the appropriateness of cost rates and to analyze accounting systems; does this work with private and public entities including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and government agencies, in accordance with generally accepted governmental auditing standards;
May assist with segments of a training program to agency staff and/or clients;
Attends classes and seminars to improve technical knowledge and proficiency, as well as to meet required professional audit standards for training;
Travel to all areas of Washington State; remain overnight in vicinity of audit site during field work, for up to five consecutive days or longer. Travel may include areas outside Washington State;
Positions may lead or supervise lower level staff;
Performs other work as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Most positions require a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or public administration, economics, computer science, or other related field that included 10 semester or 15 quarter hours of college level accounting and one year of professional experience in accounting, auditing, finance, banking, investigation, retail management, or other related fields.
Professional experience will substitute year for year for education. A Master’s degree in a related field or a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Information System Auditor, or Certified Fraud Examiner will substitute for the one year of professional experience.
OR
One year as a Transportation Audit Specialist 1.
Class Specification History
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/13/2019, effective 7/1/2019.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.