Finance Special Projects Manager

About the Role

The incumbent serves as Finance's lead for special projects and internal control. The incumbent plans and executes complex, cross-cutting financial projects; designs, implements, and monitors the agency's internal control system in accordance with Financial Management Circular 6.1 to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and the protection of assets as they relate to State and Federal funds; serves as the agency record coordinator; and acts as the contact between IDOE and external agencies during Department audits. Also provides assistance on finance team assignments as directed by supervisor.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.

Responsibilities

• Determine whether management's instructions, policies, procedures, and the federal regulations are followed in a manner consistent with set objectives.
• Apply professional knowledge of accounting, auditing, governmental financing, and the principles of management in the performance of operational audits and special projects.
• Develop the annual audit plan based on risk and cycle audits.
• Evaluate and issue opinions on proposed policy/procedure changes in addition to identifying policy weaknesses, vendor non-compliance issues, etc.
• Prepare audit assignments for staff auditors providing instructions for the audit, making allocations of time, and coordinating travel to locations.
• Provide direct supervision, training, guidance, and assistance to the lower-level staff.
• Develop and perform audit procedures outlined in the audit program.
• Provide daily oversight of audit progression, review of staff work papers, and provide reviewers comments.
• Perform continual risk assessment during the course of the audit to determine if additional audit procedures/analysis is necessary.
• Finalize work papers and prepare conclusions based on materiality (Findings, System Improvement Suggestions, and Exit Points).
• Present and prepare audit reports with all applicable detail for distribution to auditees and management.
• Perform special audits as requested by the Agency Leadership, or where internal controls appear weak.
• Work with Internal Affairs Investigative staff, outside agencies, and/or vendors on confidential investigations when requested.
• Work with Contract Administration to negotiate and approve the financial terms of the contract, including but not limited to the use of various overhead rates, appropriateness of direct costs, billing rates for specific employee classifications, etc.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Driver's License.
• Ability to travel at a minimum of 60% (40% overnight, 20% commute) throughout the state.
• Broad knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and/or written) concerns and questions to all applicable parties (auditees, management, and audit staff) during the audit process.
• Ability to maintain proficiency with auditing standards, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Ability to independently develop audit guidelines/protocols for non-routine financial and compliance audits.
• Ability to identify control points, materiality, risk factors, and other related concepts necessary in the performance of audits.
• Ability to prepare meaningful, accurate, and concise audit reports to include accurate recommendations to resolve/reduce deficiencies or non-compliance.
• Ability to appropriately handle contacts with representatives of entity undergoing review; including showing a high degree of confidentiality and sensitivity to the political environment.
• Able to work in a flexible environment where job assignments may change with little notice and/or perform multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Basic knowledge of computer systems to aid in various audits and systems reviews.
• Ability to supervise and train Senior and Staff auditors in a field environment.
• Ability to project future workloads and delegate staff assignments.
• Ability to perform a thorough review of completed audits.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree with a major in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field, and 3 years of relevant experience is required.
• Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers; up to 15 hours of paid community service leave; combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off; 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access