Auditor - 245435 - St. Michaels, AZ

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

Division of Economic Development (DED)

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sensitive Position: Yes

Applicants must submit transcripts, degrees, certificates, and/or other required documentation with the employment application to receive full credit. The Navajo Nation provides preference to eligible and qualified applicants pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act and Veterans' Preference.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides internal audit services to ensure compliance, financial integrity, and operational effectiveness of the Navajo Nation State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program, which supports small businesses and start-up enterprises through Loan Guarantee (LG) and Loan Participation (LP) programs.

Audit and Compliance Functions:

• Conduct internal financial audits of the SSBCI program and subcontractors to verify the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of financial records, transactions, and reports
• Perform internal compliance audits to assess adherence to SSBCI federal regulations, state laws, and Navajo Nation policies governing small business lending and investment activities
• Conduct operational audits to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of SSBCI program operations, processes, and procedures
• Perform risk assessments to identify and prioritize risks associated with loan guarantees, loan participations, and venture capital investments
• Evaluate the design and effectiveness of internal controls established to safeguard SSBCI assets and funds

Program Oversight and Risk Management:

• Review SSBCI program procedures, documentation, and internal controls to ensure compliance with funding requirements, eligibility criteria, and reporting obligations
• Review financial statements, budgets, and accounting records for compliance with regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and program guidelines
• Assess management practices, organizational structure, and resource utilization to identify opportunities for operational improvement
• Analyze credit, market, and operational risks and evaluate their potential impact on program objectives
• Evaluate compliance measures and recommend enhancements to reduce risk and strengthen regulatory compliance
• Test control activities, segregation of duties, and authorization procedures to validate internal control objectives

Reporting and Recommendations:

• Identify discrepancies, errors, or irregularities in financial data and recommend corrective actions
• Recommend operational enhancements, process improvements, and best practices to improve program outcomes
• Develop risk management strategies and mitigation measures to safeguard assets, minimize losses, and ensure policy compliance
• Provide recommendations to strengthen internal controls, enhance transparency, and improve accountability

Reporting and Collaboration:

• Prepare comprehensive audit reports summarizing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for management, oversight committees, and other stakeholders
• Communicate audit results clearly to support informed decision-making and corrective action planning
• Collaborate with representatives from the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Office of the Auditor General, banks and financial institutions, external auditors, and Navajo Nation Council oversight committees to address audit findings and promote continuous improvement

Additional Duties:

• Extended business travel and non-standard work hours may be required
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Political Science, or a closely related field; and Two (2) years of governmental auditing and accounting experience

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Favorable background investigation
• Must meet qualification standards and perform duties in accordance with Government Auditing Standards

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Navajo Nation, federal, and state laws, and financial institution regulations governing SSBCI operations, including auditing, purchasing, grants, risk management, budgeting, accounting, and taxation
• Knowledge of business and management practices related to maintaining financial records
• Knowledge of auditing theory, principles, practices, and internal control systems
• Knowledge of auditing techniques and methodologies
• Skill in developing and using computer databases, spreadsheet applications, and FMIS
• Skill in exercising judgment when handling confidential information
• Skill in technical writing and communicating complex concepts orally and in writing
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships