Become a Federal Auditor with the USDA Office of the Inspector General
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for a detail-oriented, professional Auditor to join their team in Beltsville, Maryland. If you have a passion for financial integrity, high-level analysis, and government accountability, this GS-13 role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of one of the most vital federal agencies.
Job Responsibilities
As an Auditor at the GS-13 level, your work will be diverse and highly technical. Key responsibilities include:
- Performing complex audits and inspections in compliance with GAGAS (Government Auditing Standards).
- Reviewing the work products of other team members and providing constructive feedback.
- Collaborating with audit teams to ensure high quality standards throughout the engagement lifecycle.
- Drafting clear, concise reports for stakeholders.
- Evaluating internal agency policies and procedures to ensure alignment with quality management standards.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Successful completion of a background investigation.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
- Possession of a degree in auditing, accounting, or a related field, accompanied by a CPA or Certified Internal Auditor certification (or equivalent credit hours).
Comparison Table: Qualifications Overview
| Qualification Area | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Degree in Audit/Accounting/Finance + 15 Credit Hours or Certification |
| Experience | At least 1 year at GS-12 level in Performance/Financial Auditing |
| Standards | Mastery of GAGAS and 'Blue Book' Quality Standards |
| Citizenship | Mandatory U.S. Citizenship |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a salary range of $121,785 – $158,322 per year. Employees also benefit from a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Generous paid time off.
- Flexible work arrangements and potential telework options.
Application Tips
- Watch the Page Count: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Focus on high-impact keywords related to auditing and GAGAS.
- Preparation: Set aside dedicated time for the USA Hire assessment; being prepared is the best way to ensure your skills are accurately reflected.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure all transcripts are legible and in a non-encrypted format to avoid processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary focus of the Office of the Inspector General? A: The OIG focuses on auditing and investigating to ensure integrity, economy, and efficiency in USDA operations.
Q: Can I update my application after submission? A: Yes, you can return to your USAJOBS account to edit your application during the open period of the announcement.
This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Auditor to elevate their career within a stable and mission-driven federal environment. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to tackle complex auditing challenges, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date.
Why This Auditor Job Matters
Take your auditing career to the next level by ensuring integrity and transparency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an Auditor with the Office of the Inspector General.
Auditor Job Overview
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is seeking a skilled Auditor to join their team in Beltsville, Maryland. In this mission-critical role, you will perform complex audits, inspections, and reviews to protect the integrity of USDA programs. You will be responsible for evaluating policies, ensuring compliance with government standards, and providing actionable feedback to enhance organizational effectiveness. This is a GS-13 position offering a competitive salary and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on federal oversight.
Requirements for Auditor
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements (one year at the GS-12 level).
- Must possess a degree in auditing, accounting, business administration, finance, or public administration, or a combination of education and experience.
- Must possess a CPA or Certified Internal Auditor certificate, or have completed 15 semester hours of accounting/auditing coursework.
- Must agree to receive salary via direct deposit.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Auditor
- Mastery of GAGAS (Government Auditing Standards).
- Demonstrated experience with the 'Blue Book' Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation.
- Strong background in federal financial management and internal quality control.
- Proven track record of managing complex engagement lifecycles.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary schedule
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Potential for flexible work arrangements
- ✓Structured professional development opportunities
💡 How to Apply Auditor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Auditor Job
- Click the official application link to start your profile.
- Complete all required questionnaires and assessment modules.
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Submit all supporting documents including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Monitor your email for the USA Hire assessment link and complete within the required timeframe.
- Track your application status through the online portal.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must not exceed two pages; applications exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
- Ensure your resume details specific experience with GAGAS and federal auditing standards.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in supported formats (PDF, TXT, DOC, etc.).
- Set aside 1-2 hours for the USA Hire assessment to ensure you can complete it without interruption.
- Verify your eligibility for CTAP/ICTAP before applying to receive priority consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the education requirement for this position?
Applicants must have a degree in auditing or a related field (accounting, finance, business/public administration) or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus a CPA or Certified Internal Auditor certificate (or 15 semester hours in accounting/auditing).
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance and is subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and credit report.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to agency policy and current agreements.
Job from Office Of The Inspector General
The USDA OIG is an independent entity focused on ensuring efficiency and preventing waste, fraud, and mismanagement within the USDA. By conducting rigorous audits and investigations, the OIG provides the oversight necessary to keep critical programs running smoothly for the American public. Joining this office means you are part of an organization dedicated to maintaining the public trust through sound financial oversight and expert auditing.