Audit Specialist - DOT 4 (In-Training)

About WSDOT The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! The Opportunity WSDOT is seeking a self-motivated Audit Professional to work in the Internal Audit Office in Olympia, WA. The Internal Audit staff gains extensive exposure to diverse aspects of WSDOT's business. These audit assignments include increasing levels of responsibility and presentations to senior management, making Internal Audit an excellent place to work for high-potential employees. The Audit Specialist position is responsible for performing risk-based audits of Department activity and advisory services to management. This position brings an independent and objective approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, internal governance processes and adherence to laws, rules and regulations. This is an excellent opportunity both to grow as an audit professional and to make a valuable contribution to WSDOT and the public. If you prove to be one of the successful candidates, you will be a part of a supportive team rewarded by their efforts to make a difference. Ideal candidates for this position have a strong work ethic and are dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth as audit professionals. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Audit Specialist will : Design risk-based audit plans and advisory engagement plans, focusing on high-priority areas for assurance and consulting engagements. Develop audit work programs that define the scope, objectives, and procedures. Conduct audit and advisory engagements by obtaining and interpreting complex information and ensure conformance with Global Internal Audit Standards. Consult with senior management on audits, compliance, and appropriate criteria. Review financial and administrative records, systems, and internal controls to assess compliance. Conduct interviews and discussions with auditees to gather insights for audits. Prepare legible and logical working papers, correspondence and draft and final audit reports, ensuring clear communication of findings and actionable recommendations. Lead entrance and exit conferences, communicating audit objectives and findings effectively. Mentor and guide other Audit Specialists. Advise and review workpapers and audit drafts for accuracy and completeness. Travel independently to fieldwork sites to conduct on-site audit work. Qualifications This is an Audit Specialist

• DOT 4 position.

However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. To be considered for this opportunity at the highest level, the following competencies are required : Advanced Risk-Based Audit Planning and Engagement Leadership Experience designing, planning, and leading complex risk-based assurance and consulting engagements that evaluate governance, risk management, internal controls, and program performance. Skills to develop engagement scopes, objectives, and methodologies; conduct risk assessments and preliminary surveys; and ensure adherence to professional auditing standards throughout the engagement lifecycle. Advanced Internal Control and Governance Evaluation Skills to evaluate organizational governance structures, internal control systems, and risk management processes to determine adequacy, effectiveness, and compliance with applicable requirements. Skills to identify control deficiencies, systemic risks, and operational vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations for improvement. Advanced Financial and Operational Analysis Skills to analyze complex financial, administrative, and operational information to assess compliance, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Skills to review financial records, business processes, and information systems; identifies trends, risks, and anomalies; and apply analytical tools and audit technologies to support conclusions. Audit Reporting and Technical Documentation Experience preparing clear, logical, and standards-compliant audit workpapers, correspondence, and reports. Experience developing well-supported findings and recommendations; ensuring documentation meets professional auditing standards; and communicating technical information in an accessible and defensible manner. Advanced Executive Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement Ability to provide expert consultation and guidance to executive leadership, management, and staff on audit results, internal controls, governance practices, and compliance requirements. Skills to lead entrance and exit conferences; facilitate discussions; and maintain collaborative professional relationships with stakeholders. Advanced Audit Leadership and Technical Mentorship Skills to serve as a technical lead or Auditor-in-Charge on complex engagements. Sills to provide mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance to audit staff; reviews workpapers and reports; and ensures consistency, quality, and adherence to professional standards and established audit methodologies. Advanced Professional Auditing Standards Application Experience applying Global Internal Audit Standards and applicable federal, state, and agency requirements throughout audit and advisory work. Skills to maintain independence, objectivity, and professional judgment while ensuring audit integrity and methodological consistency. Advanced Ethics and Regulatory Interpretation Experience researching, interpreting, and applying applicable ethics laws and regulatory requirements. Skills to provide clear guidance to management and staff; develop written communications regarding ethics inquiries; and coordinate with oversight bodies and stakeholders on complex compliance issues. Training and Knowledge Transfer Skills to design, develop, and deliver technical training and professional development activities. Skills to create instructional materials; support onboarding and staff development; evaluate training effectiveness; and promote continuous learning within the audit function. Advanced Professional Judgment and Independent Decision-Making Experience exercising sound professional judgment in evaluating risk, interpreting standards, and forming audit conclusions. Experience making independent determinations on complex issues; manages sensitive or high-risk assignments; and maintains objectivity and confidentiality. Advanced Communication and Facilitation Skills to communicate complex and technical information clearly in written and verbal formats. Skills to conduct interviews, facilitate meetings and presentations, and prepare professional communications tailored to diverse audiences. Advanced Work Management Experience managing multiple complex engagements simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards. Ability to adjust priorities based on emerging risks or management requests and maintain productivity in varied work environments. Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth and t akes action to meet the needs of others. The following qualifications are also required : A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles. Ability to travel and transport necessary equipment efficiently, including to remote locations. It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

Government Auditing and Public Sector Compliance:

Ability to apply knowledge of government auditing practices, public sector accounting principles, and federal and state regulatory frameworks when evaluating programs, grants, and public agency operations.

Team Coordination and Informal Leadership:

Skills to support coordination of audit team activities, promote collaboration, and assist with onboarding and development of new staff while contributing to a positive and productive team environment.

Advanced Audit Evidence and Documentation Techniques:

Skills to utilize structured and defensible methods for collecting, validating, and documenting audit evidence. Ability to apply data analysis techniques and maintain organized electronic documentation systems that support audit conclusions. Important Notes This is an Audit Specialist

• DOT 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are: Audit Specialist
• DOT 4: $69,744
• $93,804 Audit Specialist
• DOT 3: $61,644
• $82,872 Audit Specialist
• DOT 2: $51,840
• $69,744 Audit Specialist
• DOT 1: $42,972
• $57,252 This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Travel to all areas of Washington State, and at times, out of state, remain in the vicinity of audit or conference location for up to five consecutive days or longer. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, please visit www.uscis.gov Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance

• We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions. Paid Leave
• In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year! Tuition Assistance
• Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Plan For Your Future
• WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options.

Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date. An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role. Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies.

NOTE:

This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity. WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter. Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.

Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-01868 in the subject line.