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

Mar 19, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The public sector auditor plays a vital role in ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and effectively. By using methods such as financial auditing, performance auditing, compliance auditing, and IT auditing, they can detect fraud, waste and abuse of resources. Furthermore, they can identify compliance issues and make recommendations for improvement that can help to reduce costs, improve services and raise public confidence in government institutions. As a result, public sector auditing has become an increasingly important factor in maintaining the integrity of public sector organizations and ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer money.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most public sector auditing positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field. Coursework in auditing, accounting and business law can be beneficial.
Obtain Professional Certification. Obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential can benefit public sector auditors.
Get Relevant Work Experience. It is often necessary for public sector auditors to have experience in auditing or accounting. This may include an internship or volunteer experience.
Complete Continuing Education. Public sector auditors need to stay abreast of changes in the law, accounting rules and other regulations. Continuing education courses are available from professional organizations and universities.
Pursue Advanced Degrees. While not always required, earning a master's degree in public administration or accounting may help public sector auditors advance their careers.

Staying ahead and competent in the field of public sector auditing requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to continually upgrade one's knowledge and skills. A public sector auditor must stay up to date on changes in government regulations and industry standards, as well as any new technology or techniques that could improve the audit process. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the internal control environment and risk assessment processes is essential to successful auditing.

Engaging in continuing education courses, seminars, and conferences can help public sector auditors stay informed of the latest developments in the field. maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues and colleagues in other departments can provide valuable insight and networking opportunities. With the right attitude and approach, public sector auditors can remain competent and ahead of the curve.

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Job Description

Develop risk-based audit plans for public sector entities.
Identify and analyze financial, operational, and compliance risks and opportunities.
Develop and execute audit procedures for a range of public sector entities and programs.
Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls.
Prepare audit reports that document findings and recommend corrective actions.
Monitor implementation of audit recommendations to ensure compliance.
Present audit results to management and other stakeholders.
Liaise with external auditors, ensuring timely and accurate exchange of information.
Research and interpret applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Maintain knowledge of emerging public sector accounting and auditing practices.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of public sector accounting standards and procedures.
Expertise in financial analysis and reporting techniques.
Ability to identify and evaluate risk areas.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to interpret complex financial data and information.
Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint.
Ability to develop audit plans and strategies.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with various levels of management.
Ability to provide sound, objective recommendations for improvement.
Knowledge of accounting systems, controls, and principles.
Understanding of auditing concepts and practices.
Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements that affect the public sector.

Effective public sector auditing requires a good understanding of financial and accounting principles, as well as the ability to think critically and objectively. The auditor must also have strong analytical skills, the ability to identify and evaluate risks, and an understanding of relevant regulations. Additionally, communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building relationships with stakeholders, while the ability to assess a situation accurately and make decisions based on evidence can help to ensure that audits are conducted efficiently and effectively. Ultimately, these skills are essential for a successful public sector auditor as they enable them to identify any risks and produce an accurate audit report that can be used to improve the public sector's financial performance.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What qualifications do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this position?
How would you approach analyzing financial documents to uncover discrepancies?
What experience do you have with managing audits in a public sector setting?
What strategies do you have for staying organized and meeting deadlines?
What challenges have you encountered in past audit roles, and how did you overcome them?
Describe the most complex audit project youve handled and the outcome.
How do you ensure accuracy and consistency when conducting an audit?
What software do you use to review financial documents?
How do you keep up-to-date with changes in public sector auditing regulations and standards?
What steps do you take to ensure objectivity when auditing public sector organizations?

Common Tools in Industry

Public Sector Audit Tool (PSAT). This software is designed to help public sector auditors review and assess government programs, services and contracts. It allows auditors to perform their duties more efficiently and accurately. (Eg: PSAT can be used to check for fraud and mismanagement in government contracts. )
Risk Assessment Tool (RAT). This tool helps public sector auditors identify and evaluate risks posed by government programs, services and contracts. It provides a comprehensive view of the potential risks associated with each audit. (Eg: RAT can help auditors identify potential financial losses or legal implications associated with a contract. )
Internal Control Evaluation Tool (ICET). This tool helps public sector auditors evaluate internal controls in order to identify areas of potential financial loss or risk. It also helps to identify areas where corrective action may be needed. (Eg: ICET can help auditors identify weaknesses in internal control systems that could lead to fraud or abuse. )
Performance Evaluation Tool (PET). This tool helps public sector auditors assess the performance of government programs, services and contracts. It allows auditors to measure performance against predetermined objectives and standards. (Eg: PET can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a government program in meeting its goals. )
Auditing Information System (AIS). This tool helps public sector auditors collect and analyze data in order to identify irregularities or discrepancies. It also helps to ensure that audits are conducted in accordance with relevant standards. (Eg: AIS can help auditors detect potential errors or fraud in financial transactions. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI)
National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT)
Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA)
Association of Government Risk Pools (AGRP)
National Association of Audit Committee Members (NAACM)

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Common Important Terms

Government Auditing Standards (GAS). A set of auditing standards issued by the U. S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). These standards provide guidance for auditors who are performing audits of federal, state, and local government entities.
Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). A set of auditing standards issued by the U. S. Comptroller General to provide guidance for auditors who are performing audits of federal, state, and local government entities.
Single Audit. An audit of a governmental entity that is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Single Audit Act and the Office of Management and Budgets (OMB) Circular A-133.
Internal Controls. The policies and procedures implemented by an entity to ensure efficient and effective operations, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with laws and regulations.
Fraud Risk Assessment. An analysis of an organizations vulnerability to fraud. This includes an examination of existing internal controls and determining areas where additional controls could be implemented.
Compliance Auditing. An audit to assess an entitys compliance with laws, regulations, and other external requirements.
Performance Auditing. An audit to assess an entitys performance in achieving its goals and objectives.
Financial Statement Auditing. An audit to assess the accuracy and reliability of an entitys financial statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Public Sector Auditor? A1: A Public Sector Auditor is an independent professional that provides audit services to public sector organizations such as government departments, agencies, and other public sector entities. Q2: What does a Public Sector Auditor do? A2: Public Sector Auditors are responsible for examining and evaluating the financial records, operations, and systems of control of the public sector organization. They provide assurance that the organization is complying with applicable laws and regulations and that its financial statements are accurate and reliable. Q3: How many types of Public Sector Audits are there? A3: There are three main types of public sector audits: financial statement audits, performance audits, and compliance audits. Q4: What is a financial statement audit? A4: A financial statement audit is conducted to provide assurance that the financial statements of a public sector organization are presented fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Q5: What is a performance audit? A5: A performance audit is conducted to determine whether a public sector organization is achieving its intended outcomes in an efficient, effective, and economical manner. The results of the audit are used to make recommendations for improving the organization's operations.