Information Technology Auditor and Assurance Specialist (Information Technology Auditor III)

Job Description

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Core Values:

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students.

• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.

• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.

• We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

The posted salary range budgeted for this position is between $6,073.83 and $8,173.08 monthly. New hires will be typically brought into the agency at a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification in the Office of Technology unless the average pay exceeds the midpoint for the state position's classification salary group. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who far exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role.

Position Overview

The Strategic Projects Division in the Office of Information Technology assists the Office of Technology with internal and external state and federal audits, legislative analysis on information technology bills, performance management, state and federal information technology grant management, development of agency technology policies and procedures, quality assurance team compliance, and monitoring of major information resource projects. The team also provides our school system's E-rate support and guidance on Long Range Planning for Technology. Currently, the team is leading Operation Connectivity, a statewide initiative that is focused on closing the digital divide by connecting students in Texas to an e-learning device and high-speed broadband.

The Information Technology Audit and Assurance Specialist performs advanced (senior-level) information systems auditing. Work involves leading and conducting audits of information systems, platforms, and operating procedures. Preparing audit findings regarding financial and non-financial programs' efficiency, accuracy, and security. The Information Technology Audit and Assurance Specialist works closely with the Strategic Projects Director/Chief of Staff in the Office of Information Technology to assist in managing and communicating clear audit objectives, outcomes, and completion criteria. The Specialist will plan, prioritize, and perform a variety of technical, financial, and security audits and program assessments, for assigned program(s) including overseeing the remediation and corrective action plans for identified deficiencies; creating efficiencies where opportunities occur.

The Information Technology Audit and Assurance Specialist will assist the organization by protecting its internal controls and data within its technology system. The Information Technology Audit and Assurance Specialist will safeguard information by identifying weaknesses and creating strategies to prevent security breaches. The Specialist will examine the organization's IT system to ensure sufficient controls are kept, and the security of data stored or transported, the backlog of deferred maintenance issues is remediated in accordance with audit standards. The Specialist will classify technology issues and provide additional recommendations to management with solutions to fix internal controls.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume is a required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

About Office of IT

The Office of Information Technology works closely with all agency divisions to implement innovative technology solutions in a cost-efficient manner that supports the goals and priorities of the Texas Education Agency. The Office of IT provides efficient technology solutions and stellar customer services to internal staff, 20 Educational Service Centers, and 1,200-plus public-school districts and charter schools. The following services are provided by IT: leadership on IT initiatives; guidance on security/policy issues; new application development/enhancements; software acquisition; technical support; assistance with technical sections of purchasing documents such as Request for Information (RFI), Request for Offers (RFO), Request for Proposals (RFP); and oversight on the data collection process which helps to support and improve outcomes for all of Texas' 5 million-plus students.

Essential Functions

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Internal Controls and Operational Efficiency - Coordinate and/or perform information technology audit work that is highly complex in nature or large in scale, including identifying and defining issues, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing evidence, and documenting client processes and procedures

2. Audit Testing and Reporting - Examine internal IT general and application controls, evaluate the design and operational effectiveness, determine the exposure to risk and develop remediation strategies

3. Audit Findings Analysis - Perform regular audit testing and report audit findings and make recommendations for correcting unsatisfactory conditions, improving operations, and reducing costs



Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

• Required Licenses: Certification as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Information Security Manger is required

• Experience: At least three [3] years of experience in information systems, auditing, control, or security work, or quality assurance/ risk assessment review.

• Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Other Qualifications

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military

• Knowledge of generally accepted information technology audit and financial standards and practices; of information technology security and control practices; of financial and non-financial systems, processes, and practices; and of information technology management practices

• Skill in collecting and analyzing complex data; evaluating information and systems; drawing logical conclusions; assessing the effectiveness of internal controls over key information technology risks; identifying significant exposures; analyzing transactions and management information; detecting changes in key risks and/or control effectiveness; in developing appropriate recommendations to address exposures; and in using analytical software tools, data analysis methods, and other computer applications

• Skill in listening to, communicating, and coordinating with a diverse group of people is strongly preferred

• Analytical with the ability to structure ambiguity into actionable, value-added plans

• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and to establish goals and objectives that support a technical strategic plan is strongly essential

• Strong, metric-driven, evaluation ability to develop and improve policies and procedures

• Ability to understand and communicate complex technical issues to non-technical audiences

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to information technology, budgeting, purchasing, and audits

• Skill in listening to, communicating, and coordinating with a diverse group of people is strongly preferred

• Major coursework in information systems, accounting, business administration, finance, economics, public affairs/administration, or a related field is highly preferred

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference.

To review the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to each job classification series in the State's Position Classification Plan (provided by the State Auditor's Office), please access the Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) Guide and click on the military "occupational category" that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.