fixed term auditor and senior financial auditor employment register potx

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

POSITION:
Financial Auditor

VACANCY: Generic

REPORTS TO: Manager Financial Audits


LOCATION: Hobart

CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: Tasmanian State Service Award
Professional Stream Band 1


EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Fixed Term Full Time


PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Financial Audit business unit delivers the Office’s statutory financial audit program. This results
in the issue of audit opinions, Management Letters and reports to Parliament analysing financial
results and audit findings aimed at providing Parliament with independent advice and
recommendations on the performance of the Tasmanian Public Sector (including local government)
and State–Owned entities. This position’s purpose is to perform allocated audit tasks to gather
adequate evidence to enable a valid opinion to be formed on the financial reports of client
organisations and makes recommendations for improvements while minimising costs and risks.

MANAGEMENT AND CONDUCT OF FINANCIAL AUDITS

The matrix below sets out the general approach taken with regard to the responsibilities of different
levels of audit staff within the Financial Audit Business Unit. This position is highlighted (bold and in
larger font) in the matrix. It should be noted that this matrix represents a general rule only and that, in
reality, variations may occur due to staff shortages or absences, staff development or other reasons.
However, it is provided to place this Statement of Duties in context.

The Engagement Leader is the primary contact of the audits specified.
The Team Leader is the person responsible for the day to day management of audits specified.






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Nature of Audit
Client
Person who
signs Audit
Report (
under
delegation)

Engagement
Leader
Team Leader Audit Staff

Key Accounts Auditor-General Director Financial
Audit Services
Manager Financial
Audits
Principal Financial
Auditor

Senior Financial
Auditor

Financial
Auditor

Graduate
Financial Auditor

Cadet Financial
Auditor

High Risk General Manager
Financial Audit
Services
Manager
Financial Audits
Principal Financial
Auditor

Senior Financial
Auditor (limited)
Senior Financial

Auditor

Financial
Auditor

Graduate
Financial Auditor

Cadet Financial
Auditor

Medium Risk Director Financial
Audit Services
Principal Financial
Auditor

Senior Financial
Auditor (limited)

Senior Financial
Auditor

Financial
Auditor
Senior Financial
Auditor

Financial
Auditor

Graduate
Financial Auditor

Cadet Financial
Auditor

Low Risk Manager Financial
Audits
Principal Financial
Auditor

Senior Financial
Auditor

Financial
Auditor

Financial
Auditor

Graduate
Financial Auditor

Cadet Financial
Auditor

Financial
Auditor

Graduate

Financial Auditor

Cadet Financial
Auditor

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NATURE AND SCOPE

This position works with business unit management in the conduct of audits. The role has a heavy
operational focus which involves establishing and maintaining relationships with clients to facilitate
and expedite access to relevant information. While audits are usually conducted under the guidance
of more senior professionals, the position requires the application of financial and audit knowledge
and experience to conduct smaller, less complex, audits themselves. The position may be required to
fulfil the role of team leader on some audits, generally those of low risk. The number of clients dealt
with requires knowledge of (and the ability to interpret) a range of existing and developing accounting
standards and legislation and of client activities and systems.

The position is largely directed on when audit tasks (or smaller audits) are performed but there is
discretion on how the tasks are performed. The position is held accountable for adhering to budgets
and schedules. Material developed by the position (eg. reports and recommendations) is reviewed by
more senior people within the business unit. This position assists less experienced audit personnel.
________________________________________________________________________________

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Contributes to the planning of audits and obtains preliminary information from clients to gain an

appreciation of what may be involved in the audit.
2. Under supervision, performs allocated audit tasks in accordance with the audit plan, time
deadlines and Office and professional standards.
3. Interprets accounting standards and practices and how these are applied by clients.
4. Liaises with client agencies and maintains effective relationships with staff in client agencies and
external stakeholders.
5. In consultation with clients, prepares drafts for the Auditor-General’s Report to Parliament.
6. Where appropriate, assists less experienced audit staff to complete their allocated tasks within
quality, time and cost requirements.
7. Conducts some low risk audits or other audits as assigned and manages these within time, cost
and quality parameters.
8. Drafts correspondence and reports and makes recommendations about opinions for smaller
audits.
9. Maintains working papers (in accordance with Office and unit policy) to record evidence of
examinations.

Performance is measured against Key Performance Indicators that are developed and agreed to for
each role in the Office.



KEY COMPETENCIES (Selection Criteria)

1. Effective Customer Interaction (Weighting 15)
Adapting personal style to suit different customers and promptly and effectively responding to
their needs. Where appropriate, initiating and maintaining contact with customers and
anticipating issues that may arise.

2. Cooperates & Articulates (Weighting 15)
Cooperating with people in the workplace and contributing to team activities. Clearly, positively

and convincingly conveying information, written and verbal form.

3. Self Development and Responsibility for Actions (Weighting 15)
As a result of seeking out and utilising learning opportunities, taking new and unique concepts,
strategies and approaches and applying them for positive results. Accepting responsibility for
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identifying and addressing personal development needs and ensuring that dealings with other
people show courtesy, respect and an awareness of individual differences.

4. Problem Solving & Analysis (Weighting 20)
Identifying key issues in a problem, selecting or conducting appropriate research, analysis and
evaluation and adapting or developing methodology to achieve this. Knowing when to refer a
problem elsewhere.

5. Adapts to Change (Weighting 15)
Demonstrating flexibility by changing plans, approach and focus to effectively respond to
changed circumstances in terms of new ideas and ways of working.

6. Organising (Weighting 10)
Setting short and medium term targets, priorities and schedules to meet business goals and
planning, organising and coordinating resources to meet them.

7. Understanding & Application of Technical Knowledge (Professional) (Weighting 20)
Applying strong technical skills to critically evaluate and comment on relevant information and
issues. Identifying key issues, trends and inconsistencies and their implications for the
business.


ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

A tertiary qualification at degree level in a relevant discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.


ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

None.


It should be noted that the above key competencies have been weighted for assessment
purposes as indicated. The essential qualifications and requirements must be met. You should
not be discouraged from applying if you do not meet the following desirable requirements, as
you would not be precluded from appointment to the position, provided all of the above key
competencies and essential requirements are met.


CRITERIA FOR ADVANCEMENT ASSESSMENT POINT:

Criteria – Passed the “Audit” module of CPA Australia or equivalent professional
accounting/auditing body and attained a high rating with respect to competencies,
values and key performance indicators related to this position.

On the attainment of the criteria for the advancement assessment point and the
essential requirements for the Senior Financial Auditor the employee assigned these
duties will be promoted to Senior Financial Auditor – Tasmanian State Service Award
Professional Stream Band 2.



DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS:

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 Driver’s Licence


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

 Significant out of hours work may be required during the Audit report period (ie. July to October)
and some work outside normal hours may be required at other times.

 Generally, periods of leave will not be granted between July and October.

 May be required to undertake intrastate/interstate travel.

 May be assigned to other locations within the Office to perform work of a similar nature


POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION:

While no formal reporting relationship exists, this position provides day to day leadership, guidance
and work allocation (as engagement leader or team leader) to Audit Cadets and other staff.



ENVIRONMENT AND CONTEXT:

The Vision of the Tasmanian Audit Office (TAO) is “Strive | Lead | Excel | To Make A Difference”
and the Purpose of TAO is to provide independent assurance to the Parliament and Community on
the performance and accountability of the Tasmanian Public Sector.

Underpinning the Office’s Vision and Purpose Statements are a set of Values and associated
Behaviours that influence the way we make decisions and do our work. These values and
behaviours have been developed by our staff:

Professionalism – How we go about our work – “At all times we act with integrity and
independence, are ethical, knowledgeable, transparent and work to the highest standards”.

Respect – How we treat others and expect to be treated – “Be civil, courteous, value others
and be valued”.

Customer Focus – How we deliver our services – “We will understand our customer’s
needs, honour our commitments, build long-term relationships and foster good
communication”.

Camaraderie – How we work together – “Positive environment through teamwork, support
and good working relationships”.

Continuous Improvement – How we move forward and work better – “Improving efficiency
and effectiveness of everything we do through innovation, learning and development”.

Employment in the State Service is covered by the State Service Act 2000 and employment decisions
must be based on merit. A decision relating to appointment or promotion is based on merit if:
 an assessment is made of the relative suitably of the candidates for the duties; and
 the assessment is based on the relationship between the candidates’ work-related qualities
and the work related qualities genuinely required for the performance of the duties; and
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 the assessment focuses on the relative capacity of the candidates to achieve outcomes related
to the duties; and

 the assessment is the primary consideration in making the decision.
Work-related qualities might include: skills and capabilities; qualifications and professional
development; competencies and behaviours; standard of work performance; capacity to produce
required outcomes and relevant personal qualities such as motivational fit.

Heads of Agency are required to uphold, promote and comply with State Service Principles that are
set out on Section (7) of the State Service Act 2000 and, as set out in the State Service Code of
Conduct (State Service Act 2000 Section 9) employees are required to behave in accordance with
these principles. In addition, employees of the Tasmanian Audit Office are required to act in
accordance with the Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Statement of Values of the TAO and
sign an agreement indicating that they understand this requirement.

TAO promotes equity in employment. It provides workplaces that are free from discrimination and it
recognises and utilises the diversity of the community it serves. In doing this it acknowledges the
individual differences that can contribute to the capacity of a person to perform the inherent
requirements of the job.

TAO is committed to high standards of Occupational Health and Safety and all employees are
expected to maintain safe working conditions and practices. Smoking is prohibited in State
Government workplaces and vehicles.

Employees can expect to work extensively with information management systems and screen based
equipment. This is to be done in accordance with the TAO Privacy and Information Management
policies.

Prepared by: David Strong
Title: General Manager – Strategy and Governance Date: 16 April 2009

Statement of Duties Approved by: Mike Blake
Title: Auditor-General Date: 17 April 2009

Classification Approved by: Mike Blake
Title: Auditor-General Date: 17 April 2009
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