Government Auditor

Overview

Government auditors, working on federal, state and local levels, examine government agencies’ financial records. The auditor’s findings increase each agency’s efficiency, ensure that government funds are being spent appropriately and serve as the basis for performance improvement recommendations.

Major Responsibilities

The primary goal of a government auditor is to help a government organization run smoothly. Some of their responsibilities include:

• Performing a complete financial record analysis
• Reviewing financial data to verify the absence of fraudulent or illegal practices
• Examining budget plans
• Reviewing internal controls
• Suggesting cost reduction strategies
• Identifying revenue enhancement tactics and other performance related best practices
• Presenting oral and written findings to the government agency’s management team

While most government auditors are internal government employees, other auditor configurations also exist. An internal agency audit is completed by individuals who work within the agency itself. Auditors can also work for government agencies other than the one they are reviewing. Government auditors also examine the financial records of private organizations that receive government grants or are operating under a government contract. Finally, the government may hire private auditors to examine its agencies’ financial practices.

Government auditors help ensure that private citizens’ tax dollars are being used appropriately and effectively. These auditors work with the organization’s management team and operate as pseudo-consultants. Based on information collected during an audit, they suggest better ways for elected officials to reach their program’s goals and improve upon performance. They can also demonstrate ways to better track the agency’s progress. Incorporating an auditor’s unique perspective can help organizations successfully reach their program’s goals.

Auditors who work for agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) have agency-specific assignments. For example, IRS auditors review the tax records of public organizations, businesses and private citizens and FBI auditors often examine financial information revealed through criminal investigations.

A Typical Day

Government auditing is a full time position that often requires overtime work. The work can be seasonal, as it is often based on the tax calendar. While number crunching is a solitary act, these auditors also work in teams when compiling their final findings.

Audit Process: Audits typically begin with a formal opening meeting. The entire audit team will meet with the agency or organization’s management team and set forth the audit’s scope. The agency’s management team will be told how the records will be gathered and how the findings will ultimately be reported. Auditors then begin a high-level assessment of the financial documents, followed by a narrower assessment that involves evidence collection. Before the audit is finalized, the team will report its preliminary findings to the agency or organization’s top managers and ask for their input. Finally, the formal findings will be shared with all relevant managers. This information is then used to offer suggestions for organization-wide improvement.

Important Things to Know

Becoming a Government Auditor

Individuals interested in this career should pursue relevant internal auditor certifications, solidify their understanding of accounting practices and become well-versed in various financial analysis techniques. Applicants should also become familiar with our nation’s tax laws and finance regulations. Some auditors worked as a local government clerk or record keeper before securing this position.

Salary

In 2017, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS){www.bls.gov} reported the median income of a government tax auditor as $69,350.

Supervision

The proper method of supervision of a government tax auditor is up for debate. Some favor the use of audit committees. These committees are currently used in the private sector to improve accountability and create more transparency.

Education and Skill Requirements

Education: Most government auditors have a bachelor’s degree in accounting. They need not be certified public accountants, but this masters level degree can make a candidate more competitive. If the auditor is a CPA, he or she will need to take continuing education classes to remain in good standing.

A Masters of Public Administration (MPA) is another way potential auditors can gain a competitive edge. MPA programs teach qualitative and quantitative skill sets, cover matters of ethics, regulation and public policy and delve into the workings of government agencies. These topics are all relevant to the government auditing process.

Skills: Auditors must be precise. The people who hold these positions also need a keen eye for details and an analytical mind. While much of this work is completed independently, auditors also work together to combine their findings and make final conclusions, hence the position should be staffed by people who work well with others.

As stated, many government auditors are internal members of the agencies they examine. These individuals must be steadfast in their impartiality.

Career Options and Outlook

There are many career options available to government auditors. The complexity of our nation’s tax code and regulatory standards have created a high need for qualified auditors. BLS reports the average rate of growth for this position between 2016-2016 is 10%. This is a higher than average job growth rate.

A government auditor’s work ensures the proper use of tax revenue and bolsters the honesty and effectiveness of federal, state and local government agencies and organizations.

Learn more about Government Auditors here.