About the Department
Are you a detail-oriented individual interested in an exciting opportunity to take on more responsibility in your professional auditing career? The Department of Human Services is actively recruiting for the position of Audit Specialist 1 for the Bureau of Financial Operations' Division of Audit and Review. Do not miss out on this opportunity that allows you to grow professionally while making a positive difference. Apply now and discover the exciting prospects that awaits you!

Position Duties
This position focuses on audit work that supports the program needs of the Department of Human Services. You help evaluate information, review compliance, and prepare clear documentation. As an Audit Specialist 1, you will perform the following duties:
- Audit Support: Conduct audits or provide technical assistance as part of a team
- Data Analysis: Assemble, analyze, and interpret information for audit purposes
- Documentation Work: Prepare financial schedules and workpapers to support audit findings
- Compliance Review: Interpret regulations to check for compliance across assigned areas
- Reporting: Write clear reports and memos for varied audiences
- Risk Assessment: Evaluate internal controls and identify high risk areas involving noncompliance, fraud, waste, or abuse
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
- This position is home headquartered and will have a shift option between the hours of 7:30am - 5:00pm. In order to be home headquartered, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.
- This position is required to travel. Must be able to travel to Scranton for an in person interview.
- You will also be required to report to the Dauphin County office in person for training at least one time per calendar year.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- A Bachelor's Degree including or supplemented by eighteen (18) credits in accounting, and auditing; or
- One year as a Financial Programs Trainee; or
- Successful completion of the Commonwealth's Accounting Intern Program within the previous eighteen (18) months; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training which included the required eighteen (18) credits in accounting and auditing.
- Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credit.
Other Requirements:
- You must currently reside in or be willing to relocate to Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Schuylkill, Lehigh, or Northampton County by time of hire.
- PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
Other Qualifications
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
- You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
Benefits
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
.png)
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & WellnessWe offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
Supplemental Questions
-
01Have you successfully completed, or are you within three months of completing a conferred bachelor's degree including or supplemented by eighteen (18) credits in accounting, and auditing? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.- Yes
- No
02If you are within three months of completing a conferred bachelor's degree including or supplemented by eighteen (18) credits in accounting, and auditing, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.03Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Financial Programs Trainee for one or more years full-time?- Yes
- No
04If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.05Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth’s Accounting Intern Program within the previous eighteen (18) months?- Yes
- No
06If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.07Additional Requirement - Do you currently reside in or are you willing to relocate to Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Schuylkill, Lehigh, or Northampton County?- Yes
- No
08You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.
- Yes
09WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – CONDUCTS PERFORMANCE AUDITSPerforms risk-based analysis to identify high-risk areas and determines scope and sample size. Utilizes data mining techniques such as classification, clustering, and forecasting to identify high-risk transactions and areas where audit resources should be expended. Applies analytical methods to identify patterns, trends, benchmarks, and irregularities. Summarizes information obtained through analysis to draw conclusions and make recommendations by evaluating economies, efficiencies, and effectiveness of operations. Reviews, interprets, and analyzes legislation, federal and state policy, and program initiatives and prepares recommendations and responses as necessary.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience reviewing financial documents for accuracy and adherence to policies or procedures. I was responsible for making recommendations for corrective action.
- B. I have experience reviewing financial documents for accuracy and adherence to policies or procedures. Someone else was responsible for making recommendations for corrective action.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business administration, finance, auditing, or accounting.
- D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
10In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. 1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. 2. The actual duties you performed related to audits. 3. Your level of responsibility.11If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.- College/University
- Course Title
- Credits/Clock Hours
12WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONDevelops reports that explain the findings of audits. Audit reports include information such as results of testing, organizational compliance with rules and regulations, and current or potential risk. Presents written findings and recommendations for corrective action to identify deficiencies.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience drafting written or financial documents. I was responsible for the final written report that conveyed findings.
- B. I have experience drafting written or financial documents. Someone else was responsible for the final written report that conveyed my findings.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, journalism, communications, or English composition.
- D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
13In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. 1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. 2. The actual duties you performed related to determining financial program effectiveness. 3. Your level of responsibility.14If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.- College/University
- Course Title
- Credits/Clock Hours
15WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – FINANCIAL PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESSDetermines the accuracy and acceptability of financial and other program related data. Ensures accuracy and completeness of financial and program reports. Assesses the effectiveness of programs by determining if they are operating effectively and achieving intended goals and objectives. Identifies deficiencies in accounting and overall operations, areas for cost savings, cost recoveries, and operational improvements. Applies risk management methods focusing on identifying, reducing, and mitigating risks. Develops or recommends the establishment of necessary internal controls to implement revisions in methods and procedures needed to maintain controls.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience reviewing financial expenditures for effectiveness and efficiency of monies spent. I was also responsible for making recommendations for future funds allocations.
- B. I have experience reviewing financial expenditures for effectiveness and efficiency of monies spent. Someone else was responsible for making recommendations for future funds allocations based on the review I performed.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to risk assessment or risk management.
- D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
16In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. 1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. 2. The actual duties you performed related to determining financial program effectiveness. 3. Your level of responsibility.17If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.- College/University
- Course Title
- Credits/Clock Hours
18WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – RESEARCHConducts pre-audit research and planning by reviewing risk-based analysis and selecting audit samples, conducting entrance conferences, assessing audit objectives, and adapting to changes in audit parameters throughout the audit. Gathers and organizes pertinent program data such as policies, procedures, operations, program measures and impacts in order to determine basis for the audit scope and outcomes.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience researching financial records and files for various projects. When given a topic, I was responsible for compiling all available documents from a variety of financial data sources.
- B. I have experience retrieving specifically requested financial records from a single records location.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to research methods, data analysis, or investigations.
- D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
19In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. 1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. 2. The actual duties you performed related to conducting research. 3. Your level of responsibility.20If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.- College/University
- Course Title
- Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency Information
- Employer
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Address
-
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 - Website
- http://www.employment.pa.gov
Bachelor's degree with 18 accounting and auditing credits, or qualifying state trainee or internship experience; audit, data analysis, compliance, reporting, and risk assessment skills required.
Key Responsibilities
- conducting audits
- analyzing data
- preparing reports
Skills & Tools
data mining, classification, clustering, forecasting
Job Details
- Category: Finance and Accounting
- Seniority: No Prior Experience Required
- Commitment: Full Time
- Workplace: Remote — Pennsylvania or Harrisburg or Potter County or Tioga County or Bradford County or Susquehanna County or Wayne County or Pike County or Clinton County or Lycoming County or Sullivan County or Wyoming County or Lackawanna County or Northumberland County or Montour County or Columbia County or Luzerne County or Carbon County or Monroe County or Schuylkill County or Lehigh County or Northampton County
- Salary: USD 53,008 – 80,646 / year
- Languages: English
Benefits
- Generous paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Generous parental leave
About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
A state government administration providing public programs and services to Pennsylvania residents. — Industry: Government Agencies and Departments