Internal Controls Specialist - State Program Administrator Principal

Job Details

Working Title: Internal Controls Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 93367
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/07/2026
• Closing Date: 04/20/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS - Central Office / Internal Audits Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• Anticipated Duration: One (1) year
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

***This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.***

***This position is temporary and includes full state fringe benefits; the position is expected to last up to one (1) year.***

As an Internal Controls Specialist, you will provide time-limited, project-based leadership in strengthening the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) risk and internal control framework by identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, financial, legal, compliance, IT, and programmatic risks.

• Conducts internal control assessments on new and existing DHS programs, functions, and business processes to determine whether internal controls are properly designed, implemented, and operating effectively to ensure operational efficiency, reliable reporting, compliance with laws and policies, and safeguarding of state and agency assets.
• Identifies, analyzes, prioritizes, and documents risks across DHS programs and operations to support timely decision-making and the development of effective mitigation strategies that reduce fraud, waste, abuse, and compliance failures.
• Coordinates external audit activities and supports agency leaders in developing, implementing, and monitoring internal controls to resolve audit findings and reduce repeat issues.
• Participates on agency-wide committees and project teams to design internal controls for new programs, funding streams, technologies, and initiatives to ensure compliance, protect agency assets, and support safe and efficient implementation.
• Provides consultation, training, and guidance to DHS staff and leadership to strengthen understanding of risk management and internal control concepts and promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and compliance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

**To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**

Three (3) years of experience in risk management and/or internal controls.

Experience must also demonstrate:

• Accounting and auditing principles and auditing standards.
• Knowledge of internal control theory, risk management concepts, and the GAO Green Book framework, sufficient to design, evaluate, and implement internal controls across financial, operational, IT, and programmatic processes.
• Compliance evaluation and identification of deficiencies in program and business processes.
• Program planning and administration principles.

**A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Public Administration, Business Management, Economics, or a related degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience.**

**A Master’s degree in Accounting, Public Administration, Business Management, Economics, or a related degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience.**

Preferred Qualifications

• Risk Management Certification.
• Experience applying knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX).
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Susan Gamache at Susan.Gamache@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.