GAO Seeks Director, Financial Management & Assurance

JDG Associates, executive search consultants, has been retained by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify candidates for the position of Director, Financial Management & Assurance (FMA). This position directs the GAO component responsible for financial management issues in civilian and independent agencies. FMA is currently responsible for conducting financial audits on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Schedule of Federal Debt, the Internal Revenue Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and consolidated financial statements of the U.S. Government. Essential to this role is demonstrated experience in government audit standards, procedures, and internal controls.

Background:
The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the agency that works for Congress and the American people. Congress mandates GAO to study the programs and expenditures of the federal government. GAO, commonly called the investigative arm of Congress or the Congressional Watchdog, is at the epicenter of government decision-making. It is independent and nonpartisan. The GAO studies how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. It advises Congress and the heads of executive agencies about ways to make government more effective and responsive. GAO evaluates federal programs, audits federal expenditures, and issues legal opinions. When GAO reports its findings to Congress, it recommends actions. Its work leads to laws and acts that improve government operations, and saves billions of dollars.

The Financial Management and Assurance (FMA) team helps Congress ensure the full and effective implementation of the 1990 Chief Financial Officers Act, the 1994 Government Management Reform Act, the 1996 Federal Financial Management Improvement Act, and other crosscutting financial management legislation. A key driver of this work is the legislative requirement for GAO to audit the U.S. government’s annual financial statements and conduct other mandated financial audits. FMA also identifies opportunities for improving accountability for assets through our FSI security vulnerability assessments, forensic audits, and special investigations of areas of government operations that are vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse.

Position Duties:
Directs multiple FMA audit teams conducting financial statement audits of large and complex federal agencies and entities, as well as some smaller entities. Using thorough and expert knowledge of audit and accounting principles and standards, this individual participates fully in the planning, execution, and reporting for financial audits. Carries out assigned activities to improve the federal financial management infrastructure and the reliability of financial information

Assists the Managing Director in managing and planning all activities necessary to (1) establish priorities, (2) direct the preparation and execution of audits, (3) analyze audit/evaluation findings and prepare written products, (4) contribute to the professional development of audit staff and ensure that they are well trained, and (5) ensure effective accomplishment of assigned responsibilities and work priorities.

Directs the preparation and presentation of testimony for use at Congressional hearings.

Deadline:
To be considered, applications must be received no later than midnight, February 28, 2009.

Contact:

Joseph DeGioia
JDG Associates, Ltd.
1700 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850
301-340-2210
Email: degioia@jdgsearch.com