CHALLENGING CAREERS IN
GOVERNMENTAL AUDITING



 

OFFICE OVERVIEW

The Illinois Office of the Auditor General is a constitutional office charged with the responsibility of auditing over 150 State Agencies annually. As part of our constitutional mission, we review State financial records, examine agency program performance, and test for agency compliance with State and federal laws and regulations.

 

Our audit findings and recommendations are reported directly to the General Assembly and to the Governor. OAG audit reports often identify methods to save tax dollars, improve services, and enhance controls in Illinois government agencies. Audit findings have made recommendations to correct issues such as inventory lapses, misappropriation of funds, and internal control weaknesses.

 

Establishment of the OAG within the legislative branch of government grants us independence as auditors. Thus, our audit reports provide the General Assembly with valuable information for monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of State government.


MATCH YOUR EXPERIENCE

We offer career opportunities for those majoring in:

• Accounting
• Public Administration
• Political Science
• Economics
• Finance
• Computer Science
• Management Information Systems
• Data Analytics
• Related Disciplines

 

The Auditor General's Office has two operating divisions:

 

The Financial & Compliance Division hires graduates with accounting degrees who have – or plan to pursue – their CPA. The division also hires graduates with degrees or experience in any field relating to computer systems, and these staff review State agencies' computerized systems to ensure data is secure and reliable. Our auditors receive extensive training to ensure our engagements are conducted in conformity with professional standards. Auditors gain technical proficiency in Government Auditing Standards and in State and federal laws and regulations. Experienced Financial and Compliance auditors also work with national and regional accounting firms assisting with our external post audit program.

 

The Performance Division hires graduates with degrees in diverse fields, including public administration, political science, economics, statistics and business management. Performance audits are conducted at the General Assembly's direction and review the operations and management of various State programs.


TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Training begins on your first day at the OAG and continues throughout your career. Our new employee orientation program will introduce you to the topics and issues you'll experience daily as a State Auditor. Further, all audit team members are required by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to receive at least 80 hours of continuing professional education every two years. We make these training opportunities available to staff at no cost and during work hours. Our training courses also qualify toward CPA licensing requirements.


BENEFITS

We offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

• a competitive starting salary
• flexible working hours
• tuition reimbursement
• an excellent training program
• paid holiday, sick and personal time
• paid maternity and paternity leave
• pension benefits
• health, vision, dental and life insurance
• deferred compensation plan.


PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE

Governmental auditing provides an excellent opportunity to put your degree to use in a professional environment and gain a vast understanding of how the State of Illinois conducts its affairs. In this field of auditing, your creativity and insight are encouraged. The work is challenging and important. Your contributions help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the State. And, as a State Auditor, you'll learn the operations of government firsthand, broadening your professional abilities.

 

APPLYING FOR A POSITION

If you are interested in applying for a position with our Office, simply click on this link: OAG Employment Application Instructions.

 

For further questions regarding our application process, please contact:

Jim Dahlquist
Office of the Auditor General
400 West Monroe, Suite 306
Springfield, IL 62704
Telephone: 217-782-6046
TTY: 1-888-261-2887
Fax: 217-785-8222

The Office of the Auditor General is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, order of protection status, pregnancy, arrest record, physical or mental disability, military status, including veteran status, unfavorable discharge from the military, reproductive health decisions, or family responsibilities.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Is the Auditor General an elected official?

The Auditor General is nominated by the Legislative Audit Commission, appointed by majorities of both Houses of the Legislature, and serves a ten-year term. The Illinois Constitution of 1970 created the Office of the Auditor General as an arm of the Legislature. The auditing process ensures that the Legislature, which sets government policy and appropriates public funds, can review public expenditures and program results.


Is the Auditor General appointed by the Governor?

The Governor does not appoint the Auditor General.


What does the Auditor General audit?

By Illinois law, every State agency undergoes a compliance examination and/or financial audit at least once every two years. In addition, the Auditor General is responsible for conducting management or program audits of State government activities at the request of the Legislature. The Auditor General also audits the expenditure of federal funds by State agencies pursuant to the Federal Single Audit Act.


Who receives audits conducted by the Auditor General?

By law, audit reports are required to be distributed to the Legislative Audit Commission, the Governor, the Speaker and the minority leader of the Illinois House of Representatives, and the President and the minority leader of the Illinois Senate. Copies of our reports are also provided to interested parties--legislators, the press, and citizens. Our reports and supporting documentation are public information. Following the release of an audit report, our auditors and representatives of the agency appear at a hearing of the Legislative Audit Commission to comment on any issues raised as a result of the audit.


What traits do successful government auditors possess?

A successful auditor should be bright, inquisitive, personable, and eager to contribute fresh insights to tough problems. A person with initiative, technical skills, good communication and interpersonal skills are attributes of a successful government auditor.

In summary, the Office of the Auditor General enjoys developing a staff of well-rounded auditors who are able to:

• ask good questions
• collect accurate information
• analyze data and reach sound conclusions
• express themselves well both verbally and in writing
• evaluate others
• motivate others
• work well in an audit team environment
• understand and comply with professional standards
• utilize their creativity and insight on every assignment

 

We hope you'll consider joining us in our mission to continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Illinois government.