Join the Denver Housing Authority (DHA), a leader in providing affordable housing and creating thriving communities in Denver. As a dynamic organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents, we focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and sustainability, DHA is dedicated to a best-in-class work environment while addressing the housing needs of our city. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and want to contribute to meaningful projects that empower individuals and families, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us
Summary of Job
Under the supervision of the Director of Audit & Compliance, the Compliance Auditor provides professional advisory and assurance services for the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver (DHA). The Compliance Auditor ensures that the Housing Authority complies with guidelines and standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), state and local governments, other relevant regulatory bodies, as well as internal DHA policies.
The Compliance Auditor actively contributes to the design, development, and implementation of audit processes, procedures, and methodologies, adhering to the Institute of Internal Auditors' (IIA) Global Internal Audit Standards and Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). This role includes performing comprehensive risk assessments to prioritize high-risk areas, developing robust test plans, drawing accurate and actionable conclusions, and delivering value-added recommendations to management.
The Compliance Auditor is involved in all phases of the audit process, from initial planning to final reporting and follow-up testing, consistently maintaining the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality. This position requires collaboration with management to strengthen the control environment, mitigate risks, and support continuous improvement initiatives across DHA.
This role is classified as Exempt and is a Professional II. The hiring range is $78,000.26 - $97,500.74
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Audit Planning and Execution:
- Under general supervision, develop and execute comprehensive audit plans and programs focused on compliance with HUD, state, and local regulations, as well as internal DHA policies.
- Conduct audits of key processes, including but not limited to, housing program eligibility, resident income reporting, rent calculation, procurement, property management, and resident services.
- Identify areas of non-compliance and recommend corrective actions.
2. Regulatory Compliance:
- Review and interpret relevant legislation, regulations, and guidelines to ensure that DHA's policies and procedures are current, appropriately designed, and operating effectively.
- Monitor and assess DHA's compliance with HUD regulations, state and local laws, and other applicable standards.
3. Risk Assessment:
- Perform risk assessments to identify high-risk areas that require detailed compliance audits.
- Evaluate the adequacy of internal controls in place to mitigate risks related to regulatory compliance.
4. Reporting & Communication:
- Prepare clear, concise, and accurate audit reports detailing audit findings, risks identified, and recommendations for improvement.
- Present audit findings and recommendations to audit clients.
- Follow-up on audit recommendations to ensure that management action plans are implemented timely and effectively.
5. Fraud Detection and Prevention:
- Participate in the development of testing procedures designed to identify potentially fraudulent activity.
- Investigate allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse.
- Recommend preventive and detective measures to mitigate the risk of fraud.
6. Advisory Services:
- Stay informed about changes in regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Work closely with departments to provide guidance on compliance matters and internal controls.
- Assist in the development of training programs to enhance compliance awareness across the organization.
Minimum Education Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university required.
Minimum Experience Requirements
- One (1) to two (2) years of full-time experience in compliance auditing, preferably related to HUD-assisted housing programs.
Licenses and/or Certifications
- HCV and Public Housing Rent Calculation certification required within six (6) months of hire date. Certifications related to HUD-assisted housing programs are highly encouraged, such as Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) and Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM). Other certifications such as Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) are also encouraged.
- A valid Colorado driver license is required. Eligibility to drive must be maintained in accordance with DHA's Personnel Policy.
Education/Experience Equivalency
- A combination of appropriate education, experience, and relevant certifications may be substituted for the minimum educational and experience requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
Customer Service
- Possesses an understanding of customers' risks of non-compliance with affordable housing regulations, including those related to the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and public housing programs. Proactively supplements knowledge of risks through research on new and existing regulations and review of the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP) and the Administrative Plan. Understands the concept of assessing the control environment to determine inherent vs. residual risk.
- Able to generate valuable recommendations to customers based upon an understanding of their risks, knowledge of affordable housing regulations, and collaboration with team members and management.
- Demonstrates flexibility, responsiveness, professionalism, and consideration for client resources during the audit process.
Teamwork
- Active participant in the development of the Risk & Control Matrix (RCM) during the planning phases of an audit. Able to assist in developing effective test plans and participate in team meetings to validate observations and recommendations.
- Completes tasks with consideration for minimizing delay and avoids negatively impacting team performance. Meets individual deadlines and involves senior team members and/or management as necessary to overcome obstacles.
- Partners with cross-departmental peers and management to effectively accomplish tasks.
Innovation/Process Improvement
- Able to use best practice research to suggest process improvement opportunities for departments being audited.
- Approach to audit is based upon compliance with IIA's Global Internal Audit Standards, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), and departmental policies and procedures. May suggest alternative approaches to testing based upon the situation.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Approach to problem solving is to address routine issues with primary consideration for identifying root cause.
- Seeks assistance from senior level peers or management in resolving complex items. Able to recommend appropriate corrective action for most routine problems.
- Demonstrates consistent thinking relevant to functional area based on established procedures and policies. Utilizes a sound business case to defend position.
- Makes decisions within the parameters of agency rules and departmental policies/procedures.
- Conducts data analysis to identify and explain root cause of organizational performance and trends.
- Employs knowledge gained from experience and understanding of affordable housing regulations to recommend improvements and efficiencies.
Communication
- Communicates information in a clear, concise, courteous, non-discriminatory, and professional manner, and expresses ideas and facts to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Develops clear and concise verbal and written presentations, listens to others, attends to non-verbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Leadership & Influence
- All assignments are performed under the supervision of the Director or more senior team members but may assume a leadership role by occasionally providing on-the-job training to new employees and peers.
Internal Controls and Compliance Audit Competencies
- Knowledge of affordable housing regulations and the IIA's Global Internal Audit Standards and GAGAS frameworks.
- Able to test the design and effectiveness of internal controls using a defined set of test procedures.
- Able to identify potential control deficiencies and recommend corrective action to management. May seek guidance from Audit & Compliance management and/or audit team members when faced with complex situations.
- Understands the concept of "key controls" and can differentiate them from other controls.
- Works with senior level peers and management to develop an appropriate testing approach and plan that addresses risks and supports objectives.
- Seeks guidance from management or senior audit team members to overcome obstacles and prioritize workload.
- Creates clear, concise, accurate, and complete workpapers that adequately support audit conclusions and report findings. Responds timely to review comments.
Works with management and audit team to make fact-based, sound decisions related to assigned audit segment and develop recommended solutions to issues.
-
Physical Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
- Sitting: Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods
- Dexterity: Ability to pick, pinch, and manipulate small objects using fingers
- Communication: Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing in person and by telephone
- Travel: Ability to operate a personal vehicle or have reliable transportation
- Vision: Ability to see clearly at near range (20 inches or less)
- Mental Demands: Ability to apply mathematical reasoning, retain and recall job-related information, and comprehend written and verbal information
- Work Environment: Standard office setting
At the Denver Housing Authority, we understand that not everyone may meet every qualification outlined in this job posting. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, as we value diverse experiences and perspectives. We consider comparable experiences and skills, and we believe that a workforce reflective of the communities we serve is essential to our mission. If you are passionate about making a difference and believe you can contribute to our team, we would love to hear from you!
