Senior Investigative Auditor

Senior Investigative Auditor

Reporting to the Chief Audit and Investigations Officer and/or the Deputy Director of Audit and Management Services, the Senior Investigative Auditor is responsible for supervising professional audit staff and leading confidential audits, assisting with investigations, and performing operational reviews across the NYS Thruway Authority (Authority). The incumbent evaluates compliance, internal controls, record keeping, accounting processes, operational effectiveness, accountability, and resource utilization while identifying opportunities for improvement and risk mitigation. The incumbent provides expert internal audit and managerial audit support to Authority leadership. May also assist in documenting and supporting records related to investigative matters involving fraud, misconduct, abuse, theft, and other potential wrongdoings.

Duties may include, but not be limited to the following:

• Assist the Chief and Deputy Director of Audit & Management Services in administering the Authority's audit and investigative functions.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the annual Audit Plan.
• Direct and oversee internal audits, and special managerial reviews to ensure quality, accuracy, compliance, while maintaining objectivity and confidentiality.
• Supervise and coordinate the audit field work and audit staff, providing guidance, oversight, and technical expertise.
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, policies, procedures, systems, and operational practices.
• Assess organizational performance, compliance, efficiency, accountability, and the effective use of Authority resources.
• Identify operational risks, control deficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement, and recommend corrective actions and best practices.
• Review supporting documentation and records for accuracy, reliability, relevance, and sufficiency.
• Manage issues and challenges arising during audits and ensure appropriate resolution.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written audit reports to management presenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Present findings and recommendations to the department Chief, Deputy Director, Executive Authority leadership, managers, and other stakeholders.
• Determine appropriate report distribution and monitor implementation of agreed-upon corrective actions and recommendations.
• Serve as a liaison with external auditors and provide support during external audit engagements.
• Provide audit consulting support to Authority departments and leadership.
• Perform the full range of supervisory and administrative responsibilities for assigned audit and investigative staff, including assigning and prioritizing work; monitoring progress toward departmental goals and deadlines; providing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities; evaluating performance and completing performance reviews; approving leave and overseeing time and attendance; ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures; resolving personnel and operational issues; and promoting continuous improvement in departmental processes, service delivery, and overall staff effectiveness.
• Perform other related duties assigned in support of the mission and objectives of the Department of Audit & Management Services.
• Travel will be required, some of which may be overnights.

May also be involved in oversight of investigative work as follows:

• Assist in managing sensitive and confidential investigations involving allegations of fraud, misconduct, abuse, theft, misuse of Authority resources, criminal activity, and other violations of law, policy, or procedure.
• Develop investigative plans, establish timelines, and ensure thorough collection, preservation, and documentation of supporting documents and evidence.
• Conduct interviews, obtain written statements, and analyze facts and evidence to determine findings and conclusions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of investigative activities and information.
• Recommend additional investigative actions when audits or reviews identify potential fraud, misconduct, or other irregularities.

Minimum Qualifications

Nine years of experience in internal auditing or field auditing. Experience should include analyzing reports or data, preparing written audit reports, and presenting findings. Two years of the required experience must have been at a supervisory level.

Substitutions:

• A bachelor's degree in one of the following, or closely related field will substitute for four years of the required experience:
• Accounting
• Auditing
• Business Administration (must include 24 credit hours in auditing and/or accounting)
• Finance
• Forensic Accounting
• Public Administration (must include 24 credit hours in auditing and/or accounting)
• An associate degree in one of these fields may substitute for two years of experience, and a master's degree may substitute for five years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrate Leadership: Ability to plan and lead audit teams, manage audit timelines, and mentor audit staff.

Strong Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate complex finding and recommendations to senior leadership, executive management, and Authority Board members.

Advanced Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving, risk assessment, and internal control evaluation capabilities.

Audit Management Experience: Experience serving as an audit manager or auditor-in-charge overseeing complex audits and audit staff.

Government Auditing Experience: Experience leading internal audit functions within a governmental environment.

Experience performing the full range of audit activities, including planning, scoping, analysis, and evaluation of accounting systems and internal controls.

Experience developing practical recommendations for operational improvements, efficiencies, and best practices.

Experience with investigations, fraud examinations, compliance, and regulatory enforcement. Experience may include collecting and analyzing evidence, conducting interviews, preparing written investigative reports, and presenting finding.

Experience working with external auditors.

Additional Comments

This is an Exempt, Management Confidential, position which does not gain tenure. The incumbent of this role will serve at will to the appointing authority.

The NYS Thruway Authority offers an extensive benefits package, including but not limited to paid time off, sick leave incentive, membership to the NYS Retirement System, and 90% tuition assistance.

We offer FREE onsite employee parking.

Our telecommuting program offers up to 20% (two days per pay period) upon completion of at least three months of satisfactory performance and appropriate approvals. Additional policy guidelines and work hours may be discussed during the interview.

ADDITIONAL PAY INFORMATION:

The salary range for this position includes all applicable annual components of pay which are:

• Base Pay: $104,189 hiring rate up to $142,352 job rate
• Recruitment & Retention Pay: $7,000

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT:

All potential candidates for this position must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment and throughout your employment with the New York State Thruway Authority. If appointed, you will be required to produce documents that verify your identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The New York State Thruway Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, familial status, citizen or immigration status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity or expression, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status. The Thruway Authority is committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on the referenced characteristics and other federal and state protected characteristics. The New York State Thruway Authority provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Bureau of Accessibility, Equity, Diversity and Employee Engagement at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.