Sr Auditor

Metra•Chicago, IL

10d

About The Position

The Audit Department reports to the Chief Audit Officer, who reports directly to Metra’s Board of Directors and the CEO. The department is focused on operational, financial and compliance audits and the continuous review of money-handling at the highest levels of the agency. The department is committed to ensuring absolute transparency and proper conduct by all Metra employees. Reporting to an Internal Audit Department management team member, the Senior Auditor applies a broad range of business and analytical skills to perform financial, operational, and compliance audit reviews, as well as advisory engagements. The role evaluates the effectiveness of controls and processes, identifies exceptions and areas of non-compliance, conducts research, and communicates results with recommendations for improvement. Leading audit activities and providing support and guidance to staff auditors are also key responsibilities of the Senior Auditor.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business or Public Administration, Computer Information Systems, or related fields.
Must have at least five (5) years of experience performing internal, financial, operational, or compliance audits, public accounting, corporate accounting, operational assessments, and/or compliance monitoring.
Working knowledge of principles, and practices of accounting, business finance, and internal auditing and controls, such as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and Code of Ethics, or government accounting standards board (GASB).
Working knowledge of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) model framework for internal controls; and information technology controls.
Understanding of foundational analytics and quantitative analysis techniques applicable to audit engagements (e.g., outlier detection, trend analysis, and continuous monitoring).
Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Visio) or audit software programs to access data, perform data manipulations and analytics, and develop project worksheets and reports.
Proficient and effective written and verbal communication, critical thinking, analytical and presentation skills.
Effective interpersonal skills necessary to interact with all levels of management, employees, external consultants, and organizations.
High proficiency in financial and mathematical analysis skills with the ability to interpret facts and figures.
Effective or developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, notably with operational, financial, and compliance processes.
Effective organizational and time management skills.
Able to work effectively with moderate supervision and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Able to interpret audit procedures, techniques, analytical materials.
Ability to work in a detail-oriented environment, using care when compiling and examining documentation and information.
Ability to work independently and on a team.
Ability to exercise discretion, good judgment, tact, and courtesy when handling sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships within the department and with external stakeholders within the agency.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting internal, financial, operational, or compliance audits.
Experience in public accounting or corporate accounting.
Familiarity with internal audit standards, including GAAP, GASB, and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and Code of Ethics.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute operational, financial, strategic, and compliance audits to assess alignment with Metra policies, procedures, contracts, laws, regulations, and leading practices; and support effective governance.
Independently plan and perform audit procedures, assess key controls, analyze financial, operational, and other relevant data; and contribute to departmental initiatives to improve audit processes, templates, tools, and methodologies.
Communicate effectively with Internal Audit team and stakeholder management throughout the audit life-cycle, including inquiries, walk-throughs, fieldwork discussions, and closing meetings providing relevant information and escalating issues timely.
Evaluate operational, financial, compliance, and other activities; and test and strengthen internal controls to determine whether they effectively mitigate risk, prevent non-compliance, or prevent or detect errors, fraud, or misstatements.
Identify and evaluate relevant data sources, obtain and clean data, perform analyses to assess risks, trends, and control effectiveness, and translate analytic findings into visualizations, examples, models, or narratives that inform audit conclusions.
Prepare clear, comprehensive work papers that document audit testing, evidence, conclusions, and compliance with internal audit methodology; and present findings and recommendations to management, drive corrective actions, and perform follow-up reviews to confirm issue resolution.
Serve as team leader for staff auditors by providing directions, technical support, and guidance to ensure effective execution of audit procedures and professional development and review work papers for completeness, accuracy, and relevance.
Participate in developing long- and short-term audit plans, department manuals, and procedures in alignment with applicable standards; and maintain objectivity and independence in accordance with internal audit policies, applicable audit standards, and organizational ethical guidelines.
Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor.
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.