About the Department

Are you a motivated and detail-oriented professional who enjoys the auditing aspect of accounting? As an Audit Specialist 2 with the Department of Human Services, you will help ensure that public programs operate effectively, efficiently, and with integrity. Your work will support informed decision making and contribute to the responsible use of resources. This role offers steady learning opportunities through diverse audit and review assignments. It is a great match for someone who values accuracy, teamwork, and positive change.

Position Duties

This position supports performance audits and technical assistance efforts that help improve program operations within the Department of Human Services. As an Audit Specialist 2, you will perform the following duties:

Audit Work: Conduct audits, reviews, and technical assistance activities for programs and funded organizations
Information Research: Gather laws, regulations, policies, and data needed to support audit planning and fieldwork
Field Activities: Carry out audit surveys, assess internal controls, and complete detailed examination steps
Team Leadership: Guide and review the work of assistants when serving as Auditor-In-Charge
Report Preparation: Develop audit objectives, draft reports, and present findings to management
Collaboration Support: Participate in meetings, conferences, and statewide audit initiatives

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
Work hours: You will have the option of working a shift between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
Travel is required.
You will be required to report to the Dauphin County office in person for training at least one time per calendar year.
This position is home headquartered. In order to be home headquartered, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

One year as an Audit Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
Two years of professional auditing experience and a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by eighteen [18] credits in accounting and auditing; or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which included the required eighteen [18] credits in accounting and auditing.

Other Requirements:

PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
You must reside in or be willing to relocate to one of the following counties by the time of hire: Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, or Wyoming.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Other Qualifications

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Audit Specialist 1 for one or more years full-time?

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

Have you completed 18 or more college credits in accounting and auditing?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

How many years of full-time professional auditing experience do you possess?

2 years or more
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None

How much graduate coursework have you completed in accounting, finance, or a closely related field?

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

30 credits or more
Less than 30 credits
None

Are you currently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your CPA license number. If you answered no to the above question, type N/A in the text box below.

Additional Requirement- Do you reside in or are willing to relocate to one of the following counties by the time of hire: Tioga, Bradford, Susquehanna, Wayne, Lycoming, Sullivan, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Pike, Montour, Columbia, Luzerne, Monroe, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Northampton, Potter, or Clinton?

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – CONDUCTS FISCAL POLICY REVIEWS

Plans and conducts fiscal policy reviews. Performs risk-based analysis to identify high-risk areas and determines scope and sample size. Utilizes data mining techniques such as classification, clustering, and forecasting to identify high-risk transactions and areas where audit resources should be expended. Applies analytical methods to identify patterns, trends, benchmarks, and irregularities. Summarizes information obtained through analysis to draw conclusions and make recommendations by evaluating economies, efficiencies, and effectiveness of operations. Reviews, interprets, and analyzes legislation, federal and state policy, and program initiatives and prepares recommendations and responses as necessary.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience conducting fiscal policy reviews to evaluate and report on financial and operational management controls. I was responsible for making recommendations for corrective action.
B. I have experience conducting fiscal policy reviews to evaluate and report on financial and operational management controls. Someone else was responsible for making recommendations for corrective action.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to auditing, accounting, data analysis, or business administration.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to conducting fiscal policy reviews.
Your level of responsibility.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide the requested information in the text box below. Please be sure your response addresses the three items listed below (e.g., ABC University/Writing Basics/3). If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – COMMUNICATION

Develops and writes letters and reports that explain the findings of audits, reviews, and responses to fiscal policy interpretation and approval to spend funds based on federal and state regulations. Letters and reports include information such as results of testing, organizational compliance with rules and regulations, current or potential risk, as well as recommendations for corrective action to identified deficiencies. Presents findings and recommendations for corrective action.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience preparing written or financial documents. I was responsible for verbally presenting the results of the findings of audits or reviews.
B. I have experience preparing written or financial documents. Someone else was responsible for verbally presenting the results of the findings of audits or reviews.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business or technical writing, public speaking, or English composition.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to preparing and presenting written or financial documents.
Your level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – PROGRAM QUALITY CONTROL

Determines the accuracy and allowability of financial and other program related data. Ensures accuracy and completeness of financial and program reports. Assesses the effectiveness of programs by determining if they are operating effectively and achieving intended goals and objectives. Identifies deficiencies in accounting and overall operations, areas for cost savings, cost recoveries, and operational improvements. Applies risk management methods focusing on identifying, reducing, and mitigating risks. Develops or recommends the establishment of necessary internal controls to implement revisions in methods and procedures needed to maintain controls.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience determining the reliability and relevance of financial data related to funds and operations by assessing the effectiveness of programs. I was responsible for identifying deficiencies and implementing revisions in method and procedures needed to maintain controls.
B. I have experience determining the reliability and relevance of financial data related to funds and operations by assessing the effectiveness of programs. I was responsible for identifying deficiencies; however, someone else was responsible for implementing revisions in method and procedures needed to maintain controls.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to risk assessment, risk management, or financial forecasting.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to maintaining quality control.
Your level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – FUNDS ALLOCATION

Maintains adequate internal controls to ensure accurate records exist to support fund and inventory balances. Researches errors to determine the reason for occurrence and develops methods to prevent errors from occurring in the future. Maintains and analyzes records of revenue, costs, inventory, and adjustments to ensure recording and allocation is accurate among funds and/or cost centers. Develops or recommends the establishment of necessary controls and implements revisions in accounting methods and procedures needed to maintain controls.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience maintaining internal controls to ensure accurate records exist to support revenue and expenditures. I was responsible for recommending and approving adjustments for financial commitments and expenditures.
B. I have experience maintaining internal controls to ensure accurate records exist to support revenue and expenditures. I recommended adjustments for financial commitments and expenditures, but someone else was responsible for approving my recommendations.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to financial management, investment management, or budgeting.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to allocating funds.
Your level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – COMPLIANCE

Develops procedures to implement and ensure compliance with fiscal policies and controls related to the financial management of funds, grants, entitlements, contracts, or other fiscal-related agreements. Develops and monitors spending plans and other projections for the use and availability of funds in compliance with statutes, regulations, policies, or other fiscal controls.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I was responsible for developing spending plans and funding projections. I monitored the plans and projections for compliance with statutes, policies, or other fiscal controls.
B. I monitored spending plans and funding projections for compliance with statutes, policies, or other fiscal controls; however, someone else was responsible for developing the initial spending plans and funding projections.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public administration or business law.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to ensuring compliance.
Your level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 6 – TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Provides technical assistance to staff regarding fiscal policies and regulations for reimbursement eligibility of funds, budgeting and accounting, and implementation of new program initiatives. Communicates verbally and in writing to explain fiscal policies, auditing, accounting, and budgeting guidelines and procedures.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience interacting with staff to understand concerns and explain fiscal policies, auditing, accounting, and/or budgeting guidelines and procedures. I was responsible for answering general questions and providing technical advice as necessary.
B. I have experience interacting with staff to understand concerns and explain fiscal policies, auditing, accounting, and/or budgeting guidelines and procedures. I was responsible for answering general questions, but I referred technical questions to someone else to provide information.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications or public relations.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to providing technical assistance.
Your level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address: 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website: http://www.employment.pa.gov