Chief Audit Officer

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. Under the direction of the Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the Chief Auditor Officer performs highly advanced, senior-level managerial work providing direction and guidance overseeing key operations and activities of the DFPS Internal Audit Division, including leading audit activity and managing audits and consulting projects in accordance with the Texas Internal Auditing Act, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, applicable information technology auditing standards, and DFPS policies and procedures. Work involves developing strategic plans, goals, and objectives in alignment with agency strategic plans; establishing policies, procedures, standards, schedules, priorities, performance measures, and other tracking tools to determine progress in meeting goals; reviewing policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, and regulations; coordinating, evaluating, and monitoring program activities and making needed changes to business processes; and developing, reviewing, and finalizing budgets. Work also includes managing the development of annual agency-wide risk assessments; drafting the annual audit plan; representing the Internal Audit Division at meetings, in directing audits and special projects for executive management, in facilitating and participating in process improvement workgroups. The Director plans, assigns, and supervises the work of audit project managers and other professional audit staff and oversees coordination with external audit organizations. Work is performed under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Knowledge of current policies and procedures of the Texas State Auditor’s Office
Knowledge of accounting and auditing theory and techniques and progressive management practices
Knowledge of governmental and internal auditing standards and procedures relating to management auditing and analysis
Knowledge of fiscal accounting, finance administration and budget control
Knowledge of government audit standards and procedures
Knowledge of state and federal laws related to department programs
Knowledge of strategic planning, the budget process, cost recovery, financial and contract management
Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to deal with various leadership styles
Knowledge of information technology, department legal processes, and business services
Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.
Skill in strategic planning and executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
Skill in problem solving
Skill in management of department resources
Skill in leadership, communication and public speaking
Skill in presenting audit findings and recommendations verbally and in writing
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups
Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
Ability to develop, implement, communicate and lead an organizational vision which integrates key state and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors
Ability to promote and support creative thinking
Ability to lead, implement and balance change and continuity to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic state government framework
Ability to implement and use new technology and work processes to enhance decision making
Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others
Ability to explain, advocate, express facts and ideas, and negotiate with individuals and groups, internally and externally
Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions
Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of policies and programs
Certified public accountant (CPA) or a certified internal auditor (CIA); and at least seven years of auditing experience.
Bachelor's degree with major coursework in auditing, accounting, finance, government, political science or related business area from an accredited college or university.
Progressively responsible experience as an auditor, including experience leading teams in government auditing.
Experience developing audit objectives and audit programs, including development of detailed audit steps.
Experience planning, assigning, and supervising the work of others on internal audit projects.
Experience working with Executive level management and coordinating audit projects.
Experience coordinating and/or working with external audit entities.
Experience managing employees, including performance evaluations, hiring, terminations, etc.

Responsibilities

Coordinates with DFPS executive leadership to oversee and develop standards to promote safe and healthy families and protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; increase stability and rebuild institutional knowledge by understanding the workforce climate and the agency’s needs; focus on reviewing processes, correcting inefficiencies, and adapting to change; and improve internal communications, outreach, and collaborations.
Participates in strategic communication development and implementation to further the agency’s goals, mission and values.
Oversees internal communications for the agency and Commissioner, that align with strategic plans, reports, goals, and objectives.
Supports and provides guidance to executive leaders, programs, and divisions to develop and implement communications plan that align with the agency’s efforts.
Oversees the workflow process and tools related to document submittal. Establishes best practices, templates, and training to streamline the process and improve document quality.
Oversees and directs all processes related to the submission, review, and documentation of decisions for reports, briefings, and other materials requiring Commissioner review, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with agency priorities.
Oversees and collaborates with DFPS executive leadership to develop, establish, and implement goals and objectives consistent with the DFPS strategic plan focused on Client-Centered Services, Workforce Stability and Development, Agency Operations and Community Relations.
Develops and oversees the implementation of DFPS long-range and short-term plans to maximize the safety and well-being of clients served, strengthen internal processes, increase stability, and rebuild institutional knowledge, and engage the public to assist with supporting and protecting clients served to promote successful outcomes.
Works with DFPS executive leadership to develop plans and specific activities to accomplish goals and objectives for DFPS.
Directs a wide range of forums to develop and maintain excellent policy, communications, and relations with DFPS stakeholders, both internal and external.
Coordinates and directs administrative activities of the Commissioner’s and deputy commissioners’ offices and assists with day-to-day office operations.
Responsible for providing information to the Chief of Staff for use in making key decisions related to communications, engagement with services in the community administrative operations.
Advises the Chief of Staff regarding the status and progress of agency administrative operations and recommends improvements and enhancements to programs and structure.
Takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions and interacts routinely with agency management, various community organizations, and other state agencies and partners on behalf of the agency and/or Chief of Staff to solve complex problems.
Leads in coordinating special projects related to communications, external engagement, and administrative operations.
Oversees, plans, and makes recommendations regarding budget, fiscal, and contractual documents.
Manages resources, needs and priorities and approves budget expenditures.
Oversees and/or develops the division budget including planning, forecasting, and resource allocation; reviews and approves departmental budgets and major expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility, compliance with policies, and alignment with strategic priorities.
Oversees and works with DFPS executive leadership to plan, develop, implement, and monitor new and updated policies, procedures, and guidelines for the agency that meets local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Ensures and monitors compliance of DFPS policies, procedures, guidelines, best practices, and initiatives by routinely evaluating operations and programs to ensure successful and consistent outcomes.
Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for solutions and initiatives to maximize the safety and well-being of clients served, strengthen internal processes, increase stability, and rebuild institutional knowledge, and engage the public to assist with supporting and protecting clients served to improve DFPS operations and processes.
Performs a broad range of functions, including coordinating special projects and providing consultation on various complex issues to evaluate DFPS operations, programs, and processes.
Works to develop operating plans, goals, objectives, priorities, and procedures of the executive office.
Identifies risks and opportunities for achieving goals, evaluates alternatives, and formulates recommendations.
Works in partnership with DFPS executive leadership and program areas to continuously assess operations, business functions, planning opportunities, identify needs, evaluate, and enhance effectiveness, identify efficiencies, and promote improved outcomes for the agency.
Responsible for public speaking and developing relationships with and management of stakeholders, community organizations, other state agencies, private and public organizations, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
Represent the agency, as needed, at business meetings, workgroups, task forces hearing, trials, legislatives sessions, conferences, seminars, panels, and committees to examine and explain DFPS programs and operations.
Reviews reports developed for executive leadership, budget information and correspondence prior to Commissioner review and recommends appropriate action.
Evaluates results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and program evaluations that impact DFPS operations and programs to provide overall guidance and consultation to the Chief of Staff when making decisions regarding operations to promote efficient, effective, and successful outcomes.
Supervises and directs the work of executive support staff.
Manages staff workflow and assignments and evaluates productivity and performance using a performance management strategy designed to encourage employee contribution and professional development.
Provide direct oversight to director-level staff as well as support teams, ensuring adherence to organizational policies, regulatory standards, and established procedures.
Act as a subject matter expert, guiding staff in understanding compliance requirements, operational policies, and industry best practices.
Monitor staff activities to assess alignment with organizational goals and regulatory mandates, offering corrective feedback.
Provides executive oversight of legislative implementation within the audit department by assessing risks, advising leadership on compliance implications, and ensuring audit based monitoring of statutory and regulatory changes.
Consults with agency leadership, management, and staff to oversee and ensure that legislative activities, changes, and assignments are managed and implemented timely and appropriately.
Supports the Commissioner by providing testimony at legislative hearings and legislative meetings on DFPS initiatives, programs and operations that are implemented for the agency.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

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