Principal Auditor - Office of the State Auditor

Office of the State Auditor

Principal Auditor

Opening Date:  May 22, 2024
Closing Date:  June 13, 2024
Job Title:  Principal Auditor

Job Class Code:  0339
Grade:  30

Administrative Unit:  Confidential

Salary: $69,742.40 – $94,827.20* 
Position Number:  007000591

OPEN FOR RECRUITMENT:  May 22, 2024 – June 13, 2024

*Actual starting salary will depend upon factors such as experience, certifications, recommendations, and education.

Are you an accounting and auditing professional with strong critical thinking and managerial skills? Are you looking to be part of a team of dedicated professionals who deliver critical services to the citizens of the State of Maine?  If so, we have an opportunity for you! 

Agency Information:  The Office of the State Auditor is an innovative organization that acts as the independent auditor for the State of Maine.  The Office works with Maine State Government agencies to complete the State’s annual Single Audit, comprised of the financial statement and Federal compliance audits.  The Office has the statutory authority to audit all accounts and other financial records of State government, including any counties, municipalities, and any organization, institution or other entity receiving or requesting an appropriation or grant from State government.  The Office is also authorized to review departmental budgets and capital programs for better and efficient management of State government, and to serve as a staff agency to the Legislature and the Governor in making investigations of State’s finances.  The Office conducts its audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, and the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, United States Code, Section 7501-7507.

Job Duties:  The Principal Auditor serves as a technical expert assisting senior management in planning, designing, and administering complex audit assignments, performing controversial high profile audit assignments, including special examinations requested by the Maine Legislature, and providing interpretation of State and federal laws, rules and regulations and changes in accounting principles to managers of other State agencies under audit. The Principal Auditor develops procedures to improve efficiency of overall audit process, provides supervision to other staff auditors and independently evaluates their performance to identify an individual’s professional development and training needs and assisting senior management in developing new uses of technology in the audit process. The position requires sound judgment and the ability to work independently. The assigned work schedule is five days per week.

The Principal Auditor must have the following knowledge and abilities:

·        Expertise regarding generally accepted accounting principles (FASB/GASB)

·        Expertise regarding AICPA/GAO auditing standards for governmental organizations

·        Expertise applying modern management principles, practices, and techniques

·        Expertise applying State and federal laws, rules, and regulations

·        Knowledge of diverse operational environments of other governmental entities

·        Ability to interact with all levels of government personnel and to effectively represent the Office

·        Ability to obtain and process information, reach a conclusion, and then explain and defend position, if necessary

·        Ability to review the work of staff for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to auditing standards

·        Ability to analyze and evaluate complex accounting transactions, information technology systems, and systems of internal control

·        Ability to develop and implement policies, interpret complex laws and technical information

·        Ability to plan, organize, assign, and direct audit activities

·        Ability to assess audit risk and adjust to changes as necessary

·        Ability to present before Legislative committees and other high-level meetings with State agency personnel

·        Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field AND eight (8) years of progressively responsible auditing experience, or six (6) years of auditing experience directly related to the government environment.  Experience must include as least three (3) years of supervisory experience.  Strong preference will be given to candidates certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Information System Auditor (CISA).

BENEFITS:

Why Work for the State of Maine?

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and -wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

·        Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

·        Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,400.22-$13,412.10 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

·        Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

·        Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($379.60 annual value).

·        Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of Bargaining Unit and 18.21% of Confidential employee’s pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

·        Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

·        Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

·        Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

·        Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

·        Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

·        Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

·        Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

For additional information about this position please email through recruiterbox, Tracy Brackett, Business Operations and Human Resources Coordinator at:  (207) 624-6280 or e-mail Tracy.Brackett@maine.gov.

To apply, please complete application in recruiterbox to include current resume, cover letter, and official copies of post-secondary transcripts.   If additional items are to be mailed please send them to:

                                                Office of the State Auditor

                                                Attn: Tracy Brackett

                                                #66 State House Station

                                                Augusta, ME  04333-0066

                                                E-mail: Tracy.Brackett@maine.gov 

Information provided during the application, interview, and selection process will be verified. Incomplete application(s) will be failed or returned to the applicant.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Salary : $69,742 - $94,827