TDA - FND - QA/QC Specialist (Auditor) (58185)

Agency Information

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and receives more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

Telework Option

TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00‑8:00 a.m. and 5:00‑6:00 p.m.

Location

This position will report to one of the following TDA locations: Austin (HQ), Houston, San Antonio, Waco, or Ft. Worth, TX. The incumbent will work across the state of Texas, as needed.

Job Description

The QA/QC Specialist will work in a fast‑paced, multi‑faceted environment performing highly complex auditing and compliance‑monitoring work. The role involves determining adherence to and implementation of:

• The laws set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division.
• Generally accepted accounting practices in the discharge of financial activities.
• Internal control procedures, accountability, and best practices.

The specialist is responsible for overseeing and/or conducting, planning, scheduling, coordinating, and reviewing audits; reporting results; and providing guidance and assistance in governmental auditing to improve governance, risk management, and internal control processes. FandN internal audits will measure the effectiveness, efficiency, confidentiality, integrity, availability, compliance, and reliability of existing information systems and the data therein. Work is performed under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Duties

• Evaluate and assess management operations, internal control structures, systems, policies, procedures, processes, tools, work instructions, internal records, and data for reliability, adequacy, accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies within established timelines.
• Conduct internal audits that are highly complex or large in scale, including coordinating assignments and audit activities, recommending corrective actions, identifying trends in non‑compliance, determining root causes, documenting processes, and performing follow‑up assessments to verify implementation status of required corrective actions.
• Evaluate staff work product and document adherence to or deviation from internal policies, processes, procedures, and tools; prepare audit papers documenting results, including interviews, data analysis, and other documentation.
• Prepare and present audit reports: develop outlines, specify internal reviews, draft reports, review drafts with clients, incorporate client comments, and submit final reports for review and approval.
• Provide input for the development of standardized audit processes and office guidelines for the practical application of professional internal audit standards.
• Maintain the record‑keeping and filing system for audit materials, including correspondence, forms, and documents, in accordance with the agency’s Records Management Policy.
• Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (one year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).
• Two (2) years work experience in regulatory and financial compliance or conducting quality state reviews, including auditing and testing.
• Experience with corrective action implementation, statistical analysis, and report preparation.
• Substitution Clause: A master’s degree in Accounting OR Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) may substitute for the two years of required work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with federal programs.
• Experience working with Smartsheet.
• Experience using TeamMate+.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting and auditing methods and systems; and of generally accepted auditing standards and procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer, applicable software and sampling techniques; and in providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to compose clear and concise audit reports; to gather and analyze accurate and relevant audit information; to evaluate accounting and management operations systems for accuracy and legal conformance; to accurately complete and assemble audit working papers; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Involves periods of sedentary work alternating with periods that may involve walking, standing, pulling and pushing, and kneeling.