Pathways Recent Graduate; Financial Auditor

Recent Graduate Opportunity Under The Dot Pathways Program

This is a recent graduate opportunity under the DOT Pathways Program. Appointment is in the excepted service not-to-exceed one (1) year. Upon successful completion of the developmental program, the position may be converted into the competitive service as a term or permanent (career/conditional) employee. Conversion is not guaranteed and is based on agency needs. If converted, the full performance level will be GS‑13.

The work of this position primarily involves program audits and congressional testimony. The incumbent, a professional auditor trainee, works with a team leader in a developmental capacity, to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of organizations, programs, and activities applicable to financial and information technology systems programs. Audits may cover relevance or appropriateness of program objectives; extent to which a program achieves desired results;

factors inhibiting satisfactory performance; alternatives for carrying out the program; adequacy of management controls; and validity and reliability of reported program effectiveness.

The incumbent applies professional accounting and auditing knowledge, standards, and principles in performing an objective and systematic examination of pertinent information and documentation such as records, management reports, controls, and policies affecting outcomes and results of financial and IT systems programs. The incumbent researches laws, regulations, contracts, and management controls to ascertain purpose, scope, and objectives of the assigned program or function;

how it is conducted; and nature and extent of management authority and responsibility. As a member of an audit team, the incumbent assists in all phases of audit work—planning, conducting, and preparing the final product.

The incumbent assists higher-level auditors and analysts by examining and testing records and controls to determine the degree of efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of assigned programs. The incumbent conducts all phases of audit in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). The standards require studying and evaluating the existing system of internal control; determining audit procedures; obtaining sufficient reliable evidence to provide a reasonable opinion regarding the program under examination.

These tasks are performed under the direction of a higher-level auditor/analyst.

The incumbent assists with interviews with employees of the program or activity under review and prepares working papers using Pentana, interview summaries, and briefing materials covering findings for team members. The position may also be required to research and assemble supporting documentation for congressional testimony.

Long‑distance travel for moderate periods of time is required.

Conditions of employment:

• U.S. citizenship
• Subject to a background investigation
• Males born after 12‑31‑1959 must be registered for selective service
• Must sign recent graduate program participant agreement
• Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate, bachelor, master, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution
• Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have up to six years after degree completion to apply
• Degree must be conferred with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher

Minimum qualifications for GS‑07:

Specialized experience:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑5 level in the federal service. Experience includes assisting higher level staff with auditing, accounting or finance work; preparing portions of work papers using automated software; conducting or participating in interviews; attending meetings to observe and learn interviewing and presentation techniques; and providing assistance with researching laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

OR

Education:

Completed one full academic year of graduate education in accounting, auditing, or a related field such as business administration, finance, or…