TDA - Internal Auditor for Federal Programs (76182

About the role

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Internal Audit Division provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services, using a risk-based approach, to add value and improve the operations of the Texas Department of Agriculture. This is a Statewide (TX), Remote Position to be Managed by Staff in Austin (HQ).

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced internal auditing work on federal Food and Nutrition programs, with a focus on the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program.
• Conduct investigations and in-depth reviews of suspected fraudulent activities, including gathering financial records and interviewing witnesses.
• Review financial statements, transactions, and data for anomalies, trends, and red flags indicating fraud.
• Perform financial, compliance, contract, and management audits.
• Assess existing systems for weaknesses and recommend improvements to prevent future fraud.
• Document findings, prepare detailed reports for management, and assist with prosecution packages.
• Prepare and present oral and written information concisely and accurately to auditees and internal management.
• Collaborate with Information Technology (IT), Legal Services, Financial Services, Human Resources (HR), and other stakeholders to resolve cases and enhance anti-fraud measures.
• Develop and implement fraud detection tools, strategies, and training programs.
• Ensure adherence and strict compliance to financial regulations and internal policies.
• Conduct special investigations into questionable practices or transactions.
• Testify before governmental bodies, juries, courts, or in administrative hearings.
• Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Criminal Justice or related.
• Five (5) years of work experience conducting audits and fraud investigations within government programs which receive federal funding.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
• Valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Must live in the state of Texas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
• Work experience using TeamMate auditing software.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting and auditing methods and systems; generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards; and information technology principles, terminology, analytics, programming, automated systems, and queries; management systems; business, financial, and non-financial processes; and system/process mapping.
• Skill in use of a computer, in applicable software and applications, in sampling techniques, in working professionally with internal and external clients, and in developing clear and concise written and verbal communication.
• Ability to compose clear and concise audit documentation and reports; to gather, understand, and analyze accurate and relevant data and information; to quantify results; to evaluate documents for accuracy and legal conformance; to conduct effective interviews and internal/external meetings; to work independently and/or in a team environment; to manage time and priorities efficiently; to be adaptive to changing work environments/requirements; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to conduct risk assessments.

Working Conditions

• Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact.
• Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Must maintain a phone line and high-speed internet at all times (this is a non-reimbursable expense).
• May involve travel (up to 60% in the assigned area), occasionally overnight.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan
• Paid Group Health and Life Insurance for employees
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Longevity Pay
• Dental
• Vision
• Dependent Optional Life Insurance
• Voluntary AD&D Insurance
• Dependent Health and Life Insurance
• Health and Dependent care flexible spending accounts