Agency Director of Internal Controls, Compliance and Auditing
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking a dedicated strategic leader to serve as the Agency Internal Controls, Compliance, and Auditing Director within the Fiscal and Administrative Services (FAS) division. Under administrative direction, this position will provide executive-level leadership and independent oversight for comprehensive audit function, directing highly complex and sensitive audits, reviews, and investigations across financial, compliance, operational, and information systems areas. The person hired into this role will maintain organizational accountability, integrity, and transparency across government agencies and other external entities.
As a key advisor to executive leadership, the Internal Controls, Compliance, and Auditing Director provides independent, objective assurance and consultation on governance, risk management, and internal control processes including matters of significant sensitivity.
In conjunction with serving as a trusted independent advisor to executive leadership, this position will oversee and build a dedicated team to safeguard public assets and ensure adherence to federal and state standards across heavily regulated programs.
This role offers a unique opportunity to make an impact on governance, accountability, and efficiency of vital public safety programs while collaborating directly with agency leaders to drive systemic, positive changes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Direction: Establish the vision and annual audit plans; ensure total alignment with federal Green Book and Yellow Book standards while partnering with external oversight bodies (OLA, OSA, and MMB).
- Audit Operations & Risk Management: Direct the Internal Control Unit’s daily operations; lead department-wide risk assessments, coordinates all external audits, review and approve high-quality audit reports, and oversee fraud allegation tracking.
- Consultation & Policy Advisory: Serve as the principal advisor to executive leadership on governance and risk; represent the agency on statewide committees and collaborate with Legal and Internal Affairs on sensitive investigations.
- Team Leadership & Supervision: Direct, mentor, and evaluate a professional audit team; manage hiring, work assignments, performance, and labor contract interpretation.
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Five (5) years of auditing experience to include all the following:
NOTE: A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
- Experience supervising, conducting, or responding to financial audits, performance audits, investigations, quality reviews, and/or risk assessments.
- Experience applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), operational auditing concepts, compliance with auditing principles and/or Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book).
- Experience analyzing financial data and legal compliance requirements, including laws, federal regulations, and state rules, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
AND
2. Demonstrated leadership experience. Leadership experience can include:
- Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead.
- Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4).
- Experience using reliable data sources to drive decision making and solve problems.
- Experience with budgeting and financial management.
Applicants that meet the above qualifications will be further evaluated on the following:
Ability to communicate clearly in written communications, meetings, and public speaking. Written technical documents could include law, rules, agency policies, bulletins, audit reports, legislative reports, and contracts.
Consultation and negotiation skills sufficient to plan and develop agency projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Participation in professional organizations such as the State Society of CPA’s, Local Institute of Internal Audits Chapter, or Institute of Certified Financial Examiners (CFE).
- Knowledge of DPS programs, funding streams, reimbursement mechanisms, payment system operations, and statewide accounting functions.
- Experience with Enterprise IT Framework (COBIT).
- Experience in regulatory and/or compliance program management.
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:
Criminal history
Credit check
Reference check
SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
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 Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@state.mn.us
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@state.mn.us.
About Public Safety Dept
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.
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
- 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. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at ADA.accommodations.DPS@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.