How to Be Government Auditor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 24, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing complexity of business operations has caused a rise in the demand for the services of government auditors. Government auditors are responsible for ensuring that public funds are used effectively and efficiently, and that they are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They provide an independent assessment of an agencys financial systems, internal controls, and other operations to ensure that resources are used appropriately and that any risks are identified.

Government auditors also review contracts and expenditures to ensure that taxpayers money is used in the best possible way. By providing this independent review, government auditors help to promote government transparency, accountability, and efficiency, as well as public trust in government financial systems.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most government auditors have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. This educational requirement is often necessary for a government auditor to be considered for employment.
Obtain CPA Certification. Generally, employers in the public sector require their auditors to possess the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. To become a CPA, students must complete 150 credits of coursework, pass the CPA exam, and have at least one year of professional accounting experience.
Look for Job Opportunities. Government auditors can find job openings through job search sites such as USAJOBS and Indeed. Additionally, they can contact local, state, and federal government offices to inquire about job opportunities.
Prepare for the Interview. Applicants should prepare for the interview process by researching the position, practicing common interview questions, and preparing their portfolio. During the interview, they should emphasize their knowledge of accounting principles, software programs, and their ability to review financial records accurately.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Upon employment, new government auditors must complete on-the-job training. During this period, they learn about government regulations, audit techniques, and other topics related to the role. They also become familiar with the organization's policies and procedures.
Maintain Professional Certification. Government auditors must maintain their CPA certification every three years by completing continuing professional education courses. Additionally, they may need to stay up-to-date on changes to government regulations and policies.

The development of skilled and competent auditors is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the government. To achieve this, a comprehensive training program needs to be established. This should include topics such as auditing standards, financial statement analysis, accounting principles, and risk management.

Once the training is completed, auditors need to be assessed for their understanding and knowledge of the material. Furthermore, ample opportunities should be available for auditors to further their professional development with additional courses and certifications. This will help them stay up to date with the latest practices in financial auditing and ensure that they remain competent in their role as a government auditor.

In addition, management should provide sufficient resources and support to enable the auditors to do their job effectively and efficiently. Finally, an effective system of accountability should be in place to ensure that auditors are held responsible and accountable for their work. By investing in training and development, and implementing a system of accountability, the government can ensure the proper functioning of its audit system and help develop competent and skilled auditors.

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Job Description

Conduct financial, operational, compliance and performance audits of public and private sector organizations.
Analyze financial records and prepare audit reports.
Identify areas of potential risk and recommend corrective action.
Develop audit plans and strategies to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
Evaluate internal controls for accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Interview management and other personnel to obtain information for audit purposes.
Analyze the accuracy of financial information reported in accounting systems.
Develop and implement audit programs to test financial systems, operations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Investigate and analyze financial irregularities, fraud, and noncompliance.
Prepare reports of audit findings and recommend corrective action.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting standards
Knowledge of auditing techniques and methods
Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial information
Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work
Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
Computer proficiency, including word processing, spreadsheets and database software
Attention to detail and accuracy

The role of a government auditor is critical in ensuring the proper use of public funds and resources. A government auditor must possess a range of skills to be successful in this important role. The most important skill for a government auditor is attention to detail.

Government auditors must be able to closely review financial documents and detect discrepancies and errors. This involves being able to identify trends and patterns, as well as understand complex financial information. government auditors must have excellent communication skills in order to effectively interact with various people, from government officials to taxpayers.

They must also be able to explain their findings in a clear and concise manner to ensure that everyone involved understands the results of their audit. Finally, government auditors must have strong problem solving skills in order to come up with solutions to any issues they uncover during their audit. Having the right combination of these skills is essential to being a successful government auditor.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in government auditing?
How do you stay up to date with changes in government regulations and laws?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy when performing an audit?
What challenges have you faced when auditing a government agency?
What experience do you have evaluating financial statements?
Describe a situation in which you had to work with a difficult client.
How do you handle tight deadlines?
What strategies do you use to maintain objectivity when performing an audit?
How do you ensure that all relevant documents are reviewed during an audit?
In your experience, what have been the most common issues found during government audits?

Common Tools in Industry

Audit Software. Software that helps automate and streamline the audit process. (eg: Wdesk)
Data Analysis Tools. Software that helps auditors analyze large data sets. (eg: Tableau)
Data Mining Tools. Software that helps auditors detect patterns and trends in data. (eg: RStudio)
Visualization Tools. Software that helps auditors visualize data in a more meaningful way. (eg: Microsoft Power BI)
Communication Tools. Software that helps auditors communicate with stakeholders. (eg: Slack)
Risk Management Tools. Software that helps auditors identify, assess, and manage risks. (eg: LogicManager)
Document Management Tools. Software that helps auditors collect, organize, and manage documents. (eg: SmartVault)
Reporting Tools. Software that helps auditors generate reports quickly and accurately. (eg: Microsoft Excel)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Government Accountants
Institute of Internal Auditors
American Accounting Association
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives
National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers
Society of Government Financial Professionals
International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Institute of Governmental Financial Officers

We also have Operational Risk Management Auditor, Assistant Auditor, and Forensic Accounting Auditor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Auditing. A systematic process of objectively obtaining and evaluating evidence to determine the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of information related to financial or other business activities.
Financial Statement Audit. An audit that focuses on the accuracy of a company's financial statements, such as its income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows.
Internal Audit. An audit performed by a company's own accountants and staff to evaluate its internal controls and governance processes.
Compliance Audit. An audit that evaluates a company's compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Operational Audit. An audit that focuses on the efficiency and effectiveness of a company's operations, including its use of resources and its management of risks.
Risk Management Audit. An audit that assesses the effectiveness of a company's risk management processes, such as its identification and management of risks.
Forensic Audit. An audit that focuses on uncovering fraud and other financial misconduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Government Auditor?

A Government Auditor is a professional who ensures that government organizations, departments, and agencies are complying with laws and regulations, and are operating effectively and efficiently.

What qualifications are required to be a Government Auditor?

To be a Government Auditor, one must typically possess a degree in accounting or a related field, such as auditing, economics, or finance. Additionally, certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation may be required.

What are the duties of a Government Auditor?

The primary role of a Government Auditor is to review and analyze financial information, including budgets, expenditures, and contracts. They may also conduct investigations into fraud or misuse of funds, as well as assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

How much does a Government Auditor earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Government Auditors in May 2019 was $71,550 per year.

What other roles do Government Auditors have?

In addition to conducting financial audits, Government Auditors may also provide advice to government officials on public policy issues, such as budgeting and resource allocation. They may also assist in developing strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and services.

Web Resources

GATI Certified Government Auditor Program | Graduate School USA www.graduateschool.edu
Local Government Independent Auditors' Conference www.sog.unc.edu
How to Become an Auditor - Maryville Online online.maryville.edu