Internal Auditor

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Internal Auditor provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to improve city operations, strengthen internal controls, and promote accountability in the use of public resources. This role evaluates the effectiveness of departmental processes, ensures compliance with laws and policies, and supports transparent, ethical governance for the benefit of the community.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional,position-specific duties.

·       Ensure proper use of public funds by reviewing financial activities, procurement processes, contracts, grants, and departmental spending for accuracy, legality, and efficiency.

·       Promote transparency and accountability by evaluating reporting practices and ensuring departments provide clear, accurate, and timely information to leadership and the public.

·       Assess compliance with municipal codes, state and federal regulations, grant requirements, and city policies. Identify non-compliance issues and recommend corrective actions.

·       Evaluate internal controls across all city departments, including finance, utilities, public safety, permitting, parks and recreation, and administrative services. Recommend improvements to prevent fraud, misuse, or inefficiencies.

·       Analyze operational processes and workflows to identify cost savings, streamline procedures, and improve service delivery to citizens.

·       Investigate reports of fraud, waste, or abuse. Conduct fair, unbiased reviews of allegations and support ethical conduct across the organization.

·       Identify financial, operational, cybersecurity, and reputational risks. Work with departments to develop effective risk mitigation strategies.

·       Prepare clear and actionable audit reports for the City Manager, City Council, and audit committees. Communicate findings, risks, and recommendations in a constructive and solutions-oriented manner.

·       Follow up on audit recommendations to verify implementation and monitor ongoing risks. Support continuous improvement in city governance and operations.

·       Develop and maintain the City's annual risk-based audit plan.

·       Perform enterprise risk assessments.

·       Present audit findings directly to executive leadership and City Council.

·       Provide consulting services on major initiatives, technology implementations, procurement, and internal control design.

·       Monitor implementation of corrective action plans.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field; and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible internal auditing, governmental auditing, external auditing, or financial compliance experience, including experience evaluating internal controls, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

•         Must possess a valid Texas Driver License with a good driving record.

Required Knowledge of:

•     Finance operations, policies, and procedures.

•     Principles and practices of accounting.

•     Regulations governing municipal accounting activities.

•     Auditing processes and procedures.

•     Governmental Auditing Standards.

•     Audit records, reports, and documentation.

•     COSO Internal Control Framework.

•     GAO Yellow Book Standards.

•     Risk assessment methodologies.

•     Data analytics and audit software.

•     Grant compliance.

•     Fraud detection techniques.

•     Performance auditing.

Required Skill in:

•     Coordinating and conducting a variety of internal auditing functions.

•     Observing the operations, processes, and procedures of City departments .

•     Compiling and analyzing audit data and providing recommendations for operational improvement.

•     Preparing and maintaining audit records, reports, and documentation .

•     Performing a variety of general accounting duties in support of Finance Department operations.

•     Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other staff , City departments and personnel, external auditors, and outside agencies.

•     Use data analytics, continuous auditing techniques, and technology tools to identify trends, anomalies, fraud indicators, and operational inefficiencies.

Desirable Qualifications/Certifications:

•     Professional certification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is strongly preferred. Candidates actively pursuing certification may also be considered.

•     Experience auditing municipal or other governmental operations, including compliance with Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), grant requirements, procurement, and internal control frameworks.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

•     Work is performed in a standard office environment.

•     Subject to sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 40 pounds.