Deputy Chief Auditor

Basic Function

Administers the internal, financial, and performance audit function; develops a comprehensive, practical program of audit coverage for the assigned function in accordance with the audit plan; obtains accomplishment of the program in accordance with acceptable audit standards and stipulated schedules.  Develops the Department’s annual risk assessment.  Responsible for the direction of METRO's Audit Department when the Vice President and Chief Auditor is not available.  Maintains effective working relationships with executive and operating management.  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g., training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff, and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.
• Identifies, and performs a risk assessment of all auditable organizational units, functions and activities within METRO.
• Coordinates and ensures the preparation of a comprehensive risk-based program of audit coverage for METRO’s internal, information technology and contracts audit functions.
• Assists in preparing annual budgets, goals and objectives and preparing for quarterly budget meetings with the President & CEO.
• Prepares a comprehensive program of audit coverage for the Internal Functions area of audit in advance, and in accordance with the audit plan update.
• Updates those activities subject to audit coverage by evaluating their significance, assessing the degree of risk inherent in the activity in terms of cost, schedule, and quality, on an ongoing basis, based on the audit plan.
• Assigns audit areas, staff and budget to in-charge auditors and properly supervises audits assigned.
• Reviews the methodology, support documentation and accuracy of work produced by audit staff.
• Develops and administers a system of cost and schedule control over audit projects.
• Provides executive management within the assigned function with reports on audit coverage and the results of the audit activity and interprets those results to improve the audit program and the audit coverage.
• Establishes and monitors accomplishment of objectives directed towards increasing the audit department’s ability to serve management.
• Provides consultation to management on control and efficiency issues throughout METRO.
• Administers a follow-up system to ensure audit recommendations are implemented in a timely manner and reported concerns are fully resolved.
• Administers a program to monitor the Internal Functions and Contract Group’s work quality to ensure compliance with Government Auditing Standards.
• Investigates and reviews reports received through METRO’s Code of Ethics and Abuse Hotline.
• Remains current in knowledge of emerging trends and techniques with the various standards within Internal Audit such as COSO, IIA Standards, and Governmental Auditing Standards.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration or a related degree is required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum ten (10) years’ experience in Public Accounting and/or internal auditing (i.e., federal, state, and local government compliance and operational audits); experience to include five (5) years supervisory/management experience.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Strong knowledge of emerging audit trends and various standards of internal controls. Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book). Knowledge of IIA Standards.  Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is required.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.