AUDITOR (PERFORMANCE)

Summary

This position is in the Office of Audits (AUD), which is part of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of State (Department). AUD has the responsibility for planning, conducting, supervising, overseeing, and coordinating performance audits, evaluations, and other projects of Department, U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), and U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) programs worldwide, including crisis, post-conflict, and fragile states.

Duties

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.

Qualifications and evaluation

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.

Education

Due to the education requirement of this position, an unofficial/official transcript must be submitted at the time of application. If transcripts are not received, you will be rated as ineligible. You MUST provide unofficial/official transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Transcripts must include the following information: name of accredited institution, list of courses with grades and credit earned for each course, quarter or semester hours earned, degree conferred and date, and the name and address of the school. 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 materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Accreditation: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course-by-course listing along with your application. If you fail to provide the required documentation, by the closing date of this announcement, you will not receive consideration.

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. Work Life Programs & Benefits - The Office of Inspector General offers many WorkLife programs such Fit Time, Alternative Work Schedules, Telework, Transit Subsidy, Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment programs, Paid Parental Leave, Health Benefits, Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, as well as Vision and Dental benefits.

How to apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about three (3) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Required documents

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.

Additional information

Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination, in accordance with agency policy. For more information on veterans' preference click FedsHireVets - OPM.gov A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to complete pre-employment requirements within established timeframes, or failing to meet any pre-employment requirements, including failure to timely schedule and report to any of the scheduled appointments. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), if applicble: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/??????? Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), if applicable: This program applies to Department of State employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement: Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DOS/OIG to share your application with other hiring managers in DOS/OIG for similar positions.