AUDITOR (PERFORMANCE)

Clarification from the agency

Status Candidates, Noncompetitive, Former Federal Employees with Reinstatement Eligibility, VEOA, Individuals with Disabilities, Military Spouses, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Vista, Eligible Family Member, ICTAP, and CTAP.

The duties of the Auditor (Performance) GS-0511 include:

GS-12:

• Assists in planning, scheduling, conducting, and reporting on comprehensive audits, evaluations, and special inquiries of Department of State, USAGM, and/or USIBWC activities, both domestically and at overseas posts in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation.
• Applies professional standards, theories, practices, and techniques of performance auditing and evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze and improve programs, identify deficiencies, and propose innovative solutions.
• Prepares supporting documentation, including analysis of data and conclusions, and assist in drafting sections of audit or evaluation reports that provide information on program operations and identify causes of deficiencies determined during the project.
• Plans, organizes, schedules, and prioritizes assigned audit or evaluation work steps; independently perform assigned project steps; and draw conclusions on the efficiency and effectiveness of programs reviewed.
• Communicates audit findings and recommendations effectively, both verbally and in writing, including leading meetings or representing OIG at internal or external functions, and developing clear, concise, and accurate reports for diverse audiences.
• Coordinates work and maintains effective relationships with managers, staff, and external officials, including conducting interviews and meetings to obtain information, resolve issues, and encourage opportunities for compromise when stakeholders have diverse viewpoints and goals.

GS-13:

• Plans, conducts, and participates in comprehensive performance audits, evaluations, and special inquiries, in accordance with GAGAS and Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation, of Department of State, USAGM, and/or USIBWC entities to assess economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Develops audit scopes, objectives, methodologies, and detailed audit plans, including defining team roles, establishing priorities and milestones, and creating audit program steps for complex, multi-site audits where significant issues and undefined problems may arise.
• Identifies, analyzes, and resolves complex audit issues, applying administrative laws, regulations, and policies; develops new audit approaches where no precedents exist; and provides expert recommendations to refine audit objectives, methods, and overall direction of audit work.
• Conducts interviews, site visits, inspections, and data collection activities with federal officials, program recipients, contractors, and other stakeholders to gather evidence, verify compliance, and support findings, conclusions, and recommendations consistent with professional standards.
• Drafts audit findings, conclusions, and recommendations, prepares work papers and supporting materials, and contributes to formal audit reports that serve as the evidentiary basis for corrective actions and management improvements within the audited entity.
• Communicates and negotiates audit results with senior officials, including management of audited entities, to influence acceptance and implementation of audit recommendations, often involving sensitive or controversial issues.
• Provides mentorship, guidance, and feedback to junior auditors, prepares training materials, shares information across the audit team, and may make on-site decisions while maintaining effective working relationships and coordinating activities with managers and team leaders.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• You may be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
• All employees will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
• You may be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
• You must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
• You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
• You will be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal Employment, at the time requested by agency.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement. If there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.

Basic Qualification Requirements: The Auditor (Performance) Series 0511 has Individual Occupational Requirements (IORs), which must be met in addition to the specialized experience.

Education Requirements: This position has a positive education requirement, as described below:

1. Bachelor's Degree or higher degree: auditing; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, public administration, or accounting. (OIG will also consider degrees in: economics, public policy, international relations, international affairs, or political science)

OR

1. 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 NOTE: You must submit a copy of the transcript(s) and appropriate certification/documentation at the time of application to receive credit for this option; or
   2. Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial coursework in auditing or accounting, e.g., 15 semester hours. NOTE: You must submit a copy of the transcript(s) that reflects the substantial course work and reflects the semester hours to receive credit for this option.

Specialized Experience Requirements:

Applicants applying for the GS-12 must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates:

• Experience in planning and performing government audits using Government Auditing Standards and evaluations using Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation. This includes assisting in the planning, scheduling, conducting, and reporting of comprehensive audits, evaluations, and special inquiries.
• Experience applying professional standards and analytical methods. This includes applying professional standards, theories, practices, and techniques of performance auditing and evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze and improve programs and propose solutions for deficiencies.
• Experience communicating audit results. This includes effectively communicating audit findings and recommendations both verbally and in writing, including developing clear, concise, and accurate audit or evaluation reports for diverse audiences.
• Experience coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. This includes planning and coordinating work with manager, staff, and external officials, including conducting interviews and meetings to obtain information and resolve issues related to audit or evaluation projects.

Applicants applying for the GS-13 must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates:

• Experience in planning, conducting, and leading performance audits using Government Auditing Standards and evaluations using Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation in complex environments. This includes the ability to plan, organize, and execute comprehensive audits and evaluations of U.S. government programs.
• Experience in analyzing and interpreting program and management operations. This includes applying qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze performance data to evaluate the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of program and management operations to identify instances of fraud, waste, and mismanagement, and to determine compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Experience in effective communication and reporting of audit findings. This includes preparing clear, concise, and accurate audit reports; briefing management on audit progress; and presenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations to senior officials and stakeholders.
• Experience in coordinating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. This includes coordinating information and schedules for site visits with agency offices and external parties, leading interviews with U.S. government officials and program recipients and maintaining effective relationships with staff and officials of audited entities.

Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.

Time-in-grade documentation: When applying for a higher grade, if your SF-50's effective date is within the past year (52 weeks), it might not adequately verify you have met the 1-year time-in-grade requirement. Therefore, you should provide an SF-50 that clearly verifies you meet this requirement-such as a step increase SF-50. (Appropriate examples of SF-50s includes Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, or any SF-50 with an effective date older than one year.) Applicants who have held a non-temporary General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must meet the time-in-grade restriction.

You must also submit the most recent SF-50 dated within 52 weeks of the closing date for this announcement.

If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position.

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) is qualifying. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience.

DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE?
You are strongly encouraged to provide a copy of your license or certificate in your application package. It is also acceptable to document your license number and the name of the licensing authority in your resume.

Non-competitive hiring authority eligibility documentation, if applicable. For information related to Schedule A hiring authority for individuals with disabilities visit OPM's hiring information site.

Political Appointment: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political appointees. If you are currently or have been within the last five (5) years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Noncareer SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

How you will be evaluated

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

Applicants undergo a thorough, multi-stage evaluation process. Assessment is conducted according to the qualifications specified in the vacancy announcement. Application materials-including the resume, supporting documents, responses to the application questionnaire, and completion of all required assessments, if applicable will collectively determine each candidate's eligibility.

The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links or QR codes embedded in your resume). Applicants passing the structured resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process.

SME Structured Interview: You may be invited to participate in a structured interview with one or more Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to assess the required competencies for the position.

Applicants who successfully pass the assessment(s) may be referred to the Hiring Manager for consideration. You must complete all required steps in the process, including submitting an application and resume and participating in the structured interview, to be considered for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Accountability
Attention to Detail
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Decision Making
Arithmetic
Mathematical Reasoning
Reasoning

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13030519

The assessment questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions which provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question in 200-words or less.

For this job announcement, the following supporting documents are required and must be received by the closing date of this announcement. Not all documents may apply to everyone.

1. Your resume must address your specialized experience for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.Resume should include applicants' name, email address, phone number, relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year), work schedule (e.g. part or full-time), the number of hours per week worked/volunteered, job title and description of duties performed. Education/Certification/Licensure when relevant or required for position.

If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

• DO NOT include the following information: Classified or government sensitive information; social security number; photos of yourself; personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.; or encrypted and digitally signed documents.

2. SF-50(s): Current or former federal employees must submit a current or last SF-50. If your SF-50 does not show you meet time-in-grade requirements or competitive status eligibility, you must submit additional SF-50s for verification. If you fail to provide the required documentation, by the closing date of this announcement, you will not receive consideration.

3. Performance Appraisal: Current Federal employees must submit a copy of their most recent completed annual performance appraisal received within the past 18 months. The performance appraisal must include the final rating. Mid-year progress reviews will not be accepted.

4. Transcripts: If this position has a positive education requirement or you are using your education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your unofficial/official transcripts. The unofficial/official transcripts must include the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, quarter or semester hours earned, and date degree conferred. If selected for this position, you will be required to provide an official certified copy of your transcripts before a start date will be established. All applicants, to include current agency employees must provide transcripts with their application.

5. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If claiming preference, you must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service, separation date and what the condition of discharge is thought to be. A Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" will be required if you are selected. If you do not have a copy of your VA letter, you can download it at VA.gov. https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters

• 10-point preference and/or 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability. A Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" will be required if you are selected.
• 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.

NOTE: If you are a current federal employee in the competitive service, you are not able to use the VEOA eligibility. If you use this eligibility and you are a current federal employee in the competitive service, you will be marked ineligible.

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