Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens, No Prior Federal Experience is Required

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Performs and monitors audits for matters of HHS-wide concern, or matters affecting the organization for evaluating the efficiency and economy of operations, in order to assure that the financial management system and internal controls are adequate; and to ascertain the degree of compliance with mission responsibilities, applicable laws, regulations, standard operating procedures, and accounting and financial policies. Audits conducted are also designed to evaluate: (1) Information Technology Reporting and Systems, (2) entity-wide security program planning and management; (3) access controls; (4) application software development and change control; (5) system software; (6) segregation of duties; (7) service continuity; and (8) application controls of key Departmental systems.

Coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the work of the IPA contracted to annually audit the HHS Consolidated Financial Statement and other audit work contracted to be performed by the OIG. Other audit work may include additional reviews of HHS financial information or evaluation of HHS performance areas. Incumbent may serve as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or as the alternate COR in the absence of the FSARS Director and/or audit managers.

Determines adequacy of performance by the IPA and other work performed by FSARS standards. Works with the IPA and other OIG auditors, to develop or modify auditing methods and techniques, to resolve a variety of complex auditing problems. Answers a variety of inquiries posed by IPA and auditors. Review audit reports received from the IPA to ensure required information is included and to resolve discrepancies. Provides professional advice to the IPA in the development and presentation of IT exhibits, records, and other data for presentation to HHS officials.

Prepares draft of memoranda transmitting IPA reports to appropriate program offices that include a summary of significant findings. If requested, provides authoritative information in response to inquiries received from regional office staff, State and local governments, grantees and contractors, and other external sources concerning audit policy as it relates to HHS financial reporting.

Provides overall guidance for OAS reviews, of internal controls related to computer-based financial management and information systems, in accordance with OMB Circulars A-130 and A-127. Recommends policy and procedures to be followed in evaluating general EDP Information Technology controls, as well as application controls as they impact the preparation and audit of financial statements under the CFOs Act.

Serves as a liaison between OIG and HHS CFO Staff on financial reporting matters. Provides OIG input to HHS CFO and presentations, including footnote disclosures and program indicators. HHS management has responsibility to develop and present financial statements and audit results.

Conducts site visits as required, to assure uniformity in OIG position, professional standards, and to discuss presentation of findings, to meet audit objectives.

Assists the Audit Manager and Director, in the review all financial audit reports, for compliance with applicable standards and policies before they are submitted for the Inspector General's signature.

Serves as a contact point, to provide expert advice and assistance on financial management matters, in assigned area to HHS and OIG staff, and to Federal, State, local, public, and private agencies, where programs interrelate.

Conditions of employment

• U.S Citizenship is required.
• Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
• Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• One-year probationary period may be required.

Qualifications

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 12/06/2024

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx

Positive Education Requirement: This position has a position education requirement, as indicated below. A complete transcript showing relevant coursework and degrees must be submitted with your application package. A list of completed courses or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted.

Basic Requirements:

• Applicants must have a degree in accounting, auditing; or a degree including auditing courses in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law; OR
• Applicants must have at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following:
  • Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
  • A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
  • Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.

Minimum Requirements: In addition to the above applicants must meet the specialized experience required for the GS-13 grade level:

• Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  1. Experience performing federal financial statement audits;
  2. Experience coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the work of independent public accountants and other auditors,
  3. Experience advising independent public accountants and other auditors on audit policies; procedures; and audit concepts and techniques. and
  4. Experience providing guidance to and monitoring of reviews needed over IT systems that support financial reporting.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.

How you will be evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

• Audit Reporting
• Auditing
• Financial Systems
• Oral Communication
• Writing

This agency uses Category Rating Procedures. Under Delegated Examining (All U.S. Citizens), we will use your responses to the job questionnaire to place you in one of three categories. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:

• Best Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of all evaluation criteria.
• Well Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of evaluation criteria.
• Qualified: Applicants possessing the basic qualifications, with general knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).

If, after reviewing your resume and any supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses will be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.

Your resume must document specialized experience and support your responses to the vacancy questions.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12623117

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.