Contract Quality & Audit Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

12d•$5,099 - $7,245•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Family Resources & Eligibility Services (FRES), Office of Administration (OA), seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Specialist VI within the Contract Operations, Contract Quality Audit and Training (CQAT) Team. OA is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to OA’s mission by ensuring all contract-related projects are performed with the highest level of accuracy and timeliness and in accordance with HHSC and all regulatory standards. CQAT’s Contract Quality and Audit (CQA) team maintains four core functions: (1) Analyze complex and high-risk compliance issues to identify trends, unresolved matters, and strategies for corrective action; (2) Conduct reviews to identify and address emerging compliance risks that extend beyond the original review scope; (3) Manage project timelines and priority deadlines to ensure reviews, post-audit activities, and other assigned projects are completed on time; and (4) develop reports, briefings, technical assistance summaries, and recommendations for OA programs, senior leadership, and oversight entities. Under the direction of the Contract Quality & Audit Manager, this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) compliance, risk, and internal control analysis work. Duties include examining, evaluating, and monitoring records, programs, policies, documents, and/or contracts to ensure conformity with laws, rules, and regulations; and providing recommendations for process improvement. Work involves conducting internal assessments of compliance risks, analyzing available data, verifying documentation, and identifying process improvement opportunities regarding compliance with regulations and/or standards. Performs compliance reviews that are highly complex in nature or large in scale, including coordinating assignments and monitoring activities. Develops, writes and reviews written and/or oral reports on compliance activities and results for FRES management and other staff. Reviews contracts, grants, and other legal documents. Provides recommendations regarding the development and revision of policies, procedures, and internal guidelines. May perform statistical sampling of data. Researches, analyzes, and evaluates complex issues and initiatives. Leads or participates in internal workgroups and meetings to evaluate initiatives to improve quality and efficiency of programs and documentation. May supervise the work of others. Prepares written project updates, summaries, briefings, reports, and other documents for executive management. Work is performed under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs related work as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of health and human service programs.
Knowledge of relevant federal and state rules, regulations and standards related to government program areas.
Knowledge of statistical analysis processes.
Skill in conducting data searches and evaluating large amounts of data.
Skill in preparing concise and accurate reports and recommendations that are timely and based on sound judgment.
Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
Skill in building and maintaining effective work relationships.
Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.
Ability to work professionally and effectively with staff.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
Ability to work with deadlines and sensitive, confidential information.
Ability to prepare and write concise reports.
Ability to evaluate policies and procedures.
Skill in understanding and communicating complex information.
Ability to plan, organize and monitor compliance activities.
Ability to analyze complex issues and develop plans for mitigating compliance risks.
Ability to identify compliance risks, evaluate alternative risk responses, and assist FRES management in implementing effective solutions.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to travel (including overnight) 10%.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, accounting, finance, information technology, public policy, science or a related field is preferred.
At least three years of experience in auditing, compliance monitoring, quality assurance, information technology/systems auditing, financial analysis, accounting, business analysis, or other relevant fields as determined by the hiring manager.

Nice To Haves

Relevant certifications and advanced degree may substitute for one year of experience at the hiring manager’s discretion.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), Certified Forensic Accountant (CFA), Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP), or other related certifications are preferred.
3-5 years of experience in performance auditing, public sector auditing, Single Audit Act federal compliance auditing, program compliance, accounting and business processes, or HHS and DFPS programs.
A Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification is preferred and must be obtained within the first six months of employment.

Responsibilities

Responsible for conducting compliance risk assessments of FRES programs.
Evaluates, assess and monitors program records and policies to ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, FRES standards and rules; and takes corrective action(s) as needed.
Consults with FRES programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.
Assists management with planning compliance activities in accordance with program objectives and goals.
Researches and analyzes highly complex and high-risk compliance issues and assists program and executive management to identify and develop strategies for outstanding (unresolved) audit or compliance issues.
Coordinates with FRES programs and oversight entities to resolve non-compliant issues and makes oral and written presentations detailing resolution methodologies and strategies.
Develops and presents oral and written project updates, summaries, briefings, reports, results, and recommendations, concisely and accurately to FRES programs and senior level management.
Prepares and reviews compliance program documentation in conformance with Contract Quality & Audit policies, procedures, standards, and effective business writing practices.
Communicates compliance activities and results with FRES management.
Develop and conduct training for FRES employees on risk management, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
Performs related work as assigned.