Internal Auditor

Job Summary: This class is accountable for directing the Internal Audit program for the Town of Fairfield.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from the Chief Fiscal Officer.

Supervision Exercised: Directs staff of the division.

Examples of Essential Duties: 

• Analyzes financial transactions, records, systems, and internal controls to determine accuracy, adequacy, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards.
• Conducts audit fieldwork, including data analysis, interviews, observations, testing of controls, and documentation of results.
• Conducts investigations of suspected abuse, waste, or fraud; prepares related reports; interviews personnel; and coordinates with law enforcement or external agencies as appropriate.
• Conducts specialized, sensitive, or complex studies and analyses at the direction of the Chief Fiscal Officer.
• Coordinates and conducts management and organizational studies related to structures, procedures, and operational effectiveness.
• Develops and implements comprehensive audit plans, including defining objectives, scope, methodologies, sampling techniques, timeframes, and audit programs.
• Develops, recommends, and assists in the implementation of audit-related policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Identifies and assesses operational, financial, compliance, and fraud risks to determine audit priorities and scope.
• Interprets and applies applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards related to auditing and financial management.
• Maintains effective working relationships with departmental staff, management, external auditors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Monitors fiscal operations for compliance with established fiscal policies and applicable accounting standards, including GASB requirements.
• Performs accounting, financial, and operational performance appraisals for departments, agencies, boards, and commissions.
• Performs post-audit follow-up reviews to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Plans and directs long-range audit programs to ensure periodic examination of major activities, programs, and financial records.
• Plans, directs, and conducts independent internal audits and examinations of departmental operations, financial activities, programs, and contracts to assess compliance, effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Prepares and maintains accounting policies, internal control documentation, reconciliations, and related financial records as assigned.
• Prepares clear, accurate, and well-supported audit workpapers, findings, conclusions, and formal audit reports.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of budgets, capital plans, financial statements, lease reports, pension and OPEB schedules, and other required financial reports.
• Supervises assigned staff, including directing work activities, evaluating performance, and participating in recruitment, hiring, and training.
• Performs related accounting, auditing, and administrative duties as required.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of organizational analysis.
• Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of auditing and accounting.
• Knowledge of accounting appraisal techniques. 
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, resolutions, and guidelines. 
• Knowledge of chain of custody practices. 
• Knowledge of data processing.
• Knowledge of financial examination procedures.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and principles. 
• Knowledge of Governmental Auditing Standards. 
• Knowledge of internal auditing principles and practices. 
• Knowledge of internal control and financial systems. 
• Knowledge of municipal operational practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of public relations principles. 
• Knowledge of sampling techniques, including stratification of samples. analytical methods. 
• Skill in interpreting and applying applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, resolutions, and guidelines. 
• Skill in performing accounting appraisals. conducting internal audits. 
• Skill in preparing and maintaining reports and records. 
• Skill in prioritizing and assigning work. 
• Skill in providing customer service and public relations. 
• Skill in researching, reviewing, and analyzing public financial records. 
• Skill in responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Skill in reviewing and analyzing internal controls and financial systems. 
• Skill in using a computer and related software applications. 
• Skill in utilizing auditing and accounting procedures and programs. 
• Considerable interpersonal skills.
• Considerable oral and written communication skills.
• Considerable ability to prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications: Nine (9) years of professional experience in a combination of financial and operational analysis in a large business or public service organization. Two (2) years of experience must have been in a lead or supervisory capacity. College training may be substituted for experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree. 

A Master’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, public administration or in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Incumbents in this class are required to possess and maintain at least one of the following certifications: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor or Certified Fraud Examiner. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel. 

It is the policy of the Town of Fairfield to ensure equal employment opportunity for all employees and to prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or physical and mental disability.