2-1-85 A

Provides direction, oversight and policy guidance for the conduct of the state's internal audit programs within executive branch agencies. This is the chief position charged with ensuring that a comprehensive statewide program of financial, compliance, operational and EDP audits are conducted within agencies for the purpose of increasing accountability and productivity, controlling growth, improving efficiency and effectiveness, and ensuring the use of sound fiscal and EDP controls.

Supervises a staff of professional auditors. Administrative direction is received from the Secretary of Finance and the Governor.

The work is of unusual difficulty, emphasizing the development of audit policies, procedures, standards, training, recruiting, review, and evaluation of both external and internal audit work within executive branch agencies. Assistance is provided to agencies in identifying and meeting needs; in situations requiring technical financial and EDP expertise; in planning and monitoring audit programs; in periodic program reviews to identify means for improvement; and in recruiting staffs with the necessary skills and disciplines.

Typical duties include directing and supervising staff engaged in developing and publishing internal audit policies, guidelines and standards; conducting financial audits of agencies lacking audit expertise; reviewing, screening, and evaluating agency internal and external reports, staff, and procedures; rendering assistance to agencies in expansion and improvement of programs; and providing consultative services to state officials, agency management and audit staffs.

Communicates with the Governor, the Cabinet and their staffs to report on follow-up actions taken on audit reports; to advise; to undertake special assignments; and to recommend courses of action.

Contact with the Auditor of Public Accounts and other external auditors, both federal and state, for planning, work coordination and conduct of audits is often necessary and requires effective liaison to be maintained. Consultation and coordination of audit efforts with executive branch agency heads is a continuing process.

Comprehensive knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards. Comprehensive knowledge of EDP operations and concepts, and the ability to conduct and supervise the conduct of a variety of comprehensive audits. Comprehensive knowledge of state government organization and functions. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and develop policies and plans, and to coordinate the activities of several audit teams. Demonstrated ability to communicate persuasively and effectively with both state and federal officials. Demonstrated ability to direct, administer and supervise a staff performing a statewide function.

Graduation from a college or university with major studies in accounting or a closely related curriculum preferably including course work in such areas of study as accounting theory, auditing, cost accounting, and management information systems; and progressively responsible auditing experience including supervision of senior professional auditors; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is desirable.