Clarification from the agency

Your application will be considered if you are a: Current career/career-conditional Federal employee in the competitive service; Reinstatement eligible; Special Appointing Authority eligible; VEOA eligible Veteran; ICTAP eligible; or OPM Interchange Agreement eligible.

The Office of Audits (JA) has a goal of improving GSA, while simultaneously protecting the integrity of its operations. This office accomplishes its mission by identifying and reporting on the challenges facing GSA management. JA conducts programmatic performance audits of GSA's operations and activities, implementation reviews, and/or contract audits. The Office of Audits also oversees financial statement audits and compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

The auditor is responsible for performing a variety of audit work that requires the application of well-established auditing principles, theories, concepts, and practices. The auditor participates with other audit staff members in performing audits of GSA awarded contracts and evaluating GSA’s regional or national operating programs, systems, work processes, acquisitions, internal controls, and financial or contract administration functions. The following duties are performed at the full performance level of this position:

• Leading junior staff in conducting performance audits of GSA programs and operations, and/or contracts awarded by GSA in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS).
• Assessing audit progress, ensuring audit objectives, plans, and work assignments are meeting milestones.
• Gathering and analyzing cost or pricing data and other information acquired from GSA contractors and contracting activities.
• Performing analysis tasks that are complex and require application of a variety of audit techniques and methodologies, as well as specific industry knowledge and auditor creativity.
• Preparing audit working papers and ensuring that documentation fully supports audit results and complies with professional standards.
• Drafting audit reports ensuring they are clear, concise, and technically correct and conform to OIG policies, as well as GAGAS. 
• Independently lead the audit team in meetings, briefings, and conferences with high-level management officials from the OIG, GSA, other federal agencies, and contractors regarding audit findings.
• Assisting audit management with identifying key areas for future audits.
• Mentoring, assisting, and providing on-the-job training to junior audit staff.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
• Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
• Meet time-in-grade within 30 days of the closing date, if applicable
• Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

Qualifications

The GS-12 salary range starts at $94,199 per year.  The GS-13 salary range starts at $112,015 per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.  

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMANCE AUDITORS:  
You must have either A or B:

A. Degree in auditing, or in a related field such as business administration, finance, public administration or accounting.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in Performance Auditing, or an equivalent combination of performance auditing experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional auditing knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following:

1. A certificate as a Certified Internal Auditor or a Certified Public Accountant, obtained through written examination (you must provide proof with your application); or
2. Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in auditing or accounting, e.g., 15 semester hours.

Refer to OPM’s Qualification Standard for Performance Auditors for more information.

GS-12 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for Performance Auditors, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience performing audit work in accordance with the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) that demonstrates knowledge of the total audit evaluation process, including the planning, execution, and reporting phases. Such experience must include the application of professional methods and techniques to gather and evaluate evidence, validate findings, establish conclusions, formulate recommendations, and prepare reports.

GS-13 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for Performance Auditors, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is work that demonstrates professional knowledge of the theories, concepts, and practices of performance auditing in accordance with the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). Such experience must have included planning, organizing, and conducting complex audits of major agency programs; gathering and evaluating data, and presenting and justifying findings; making recommendations for improved efficiency and effectiveness of operations to top management officials; defining immediate and long range audit planning goals of the office; and reviewing work of lower level Auditors.

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. 

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your overall possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Your responses to these questions must be supported by your resume or your score may be lowered.

1. Professional knowledge of, and ability to apply, the theories, concepts, and accepted practices of performance auditing
2. Knowledge of the missions, functions, policies, and goals of GSA nationwide, and the laws, regulations, and policies governing Agency programs
3. Ability to produce written audit documents and reports that are clear, concise, and technically correct and comply with all relevant standards and policies
4. Knowledge and skill to sufficiently use common business software applications to develop working papers
5. Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, oral, or written means to establish and maintain relationships with OIG personnel, GSA personnel, and other stakeholders internal and external to the agency
6. Skill in utilizing project management techniques to effectively coordinate the completion of audits in accordance with established goals, objectives, and milestones

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.

Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume so that information will be taken into consideration during the selection process.  If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan(ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.