Chief Auditor

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) Board of Directors (Board) and the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Auditor serves as a member of the executive team and is responsible for overseeing, planning and directing a variety of technical audits, reviews, and evaluations of the management controls of the Authority. The audits, reviews, and evaluations directed by the Chief Auditor assist the Board and the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring that policies, procedures, programs and practices of the Authority comply with laws, regulations and appropriate management practices. All work is to be accomplished in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations by using a systematic and disciplined approach, as well as the Global Internal Audit Standards or the Government Auditing Standards.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position works primarily in the office, but limited telework may be available for California residents.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, manage multiple tasks, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply for this position. You must provide narrative responses and specific examples for each item listed below in your SOQ to be considered for this position. Your SOQ must be typed in 12-point font, no longer than 3 pages , organized by including the question below and numbered as reflected below, and then provide a response to these 6 items:

1. Describe your experience leading a comprehensive audit function, managing multi-disciplinary audit teams, ensuring deadlines are met, and allocating resources under constraints.
2. Describe your experience effectively engaging internal and external stakeholders while representing leadership through public speaking, briefings, and collaborative efforts that inform and advance audit findings. Please provide an example(s) of your experience.
3. Explain how you maintain auditor objectivity, integrity, and independence while effectively communicating sensitive, high-risk findings to executive leadership, boards, or audit committees.
4. Describe your experience preparing for and navigating a grant and/or contract audit.
5. Describe your experience identifying a control weakness that stemmed from poor design or implementation. How did you address it in alignment with Green Book standards?
6. The Authority’s Audit Office is comprised of a small, diverse team of professional audits responsible for completing audits that are frequently sensitive in nature. Describe the methods you use to organize audit teams and motivate your team so they remain engaged with the work.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to work effectively with top level management of State agencies and other external organizations;
• Ability to effectively communicate to groups and individuals on technical issues; plan, analyze, and translate technical results into oral or written format understandable for non-auditors;
• Working knowledge of Global Internal Auditing Standards (Red Book), Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book) and other appropriate standards used in performing financial and performance reviews of government programs;
• Experience implementing continuous improvement practices;
• Knowledge of and experience with process development techniques;
• Experience organizing and motivating employees in a team environment;
• Ability to assimilate and evaluate technical and procedural input from various sources; understand fundamental statistical and sampling methods;
• Experience with developing alternative courses of action and making objective recommendations;
• Knowledge of internal control and risk concepts, including the Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government;
• Knowledge of current initiatives within the California State Government;
• Knowledge of the organization and practices of control agencies, including the legislative and budgeting processes;
• Knowledge of contracting laws, regulations, and practices;
• Knowledge of Code of Federal Regulations Title 2, Part 200, Title 48, Part 31, and Title 49, Part 18;
• Proficiency with the following information technology tools: Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and MS Outlook.
• Ability to qualify for a fidelity bond and willingness to travel and work away from the Sacramento office.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-535925. Chief Auditor, and 311-150-7500-010 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above "Special Requirements" section for SOQ instructions.