Chief Audit Officer

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don't match-often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here's what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members-saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that's time off you're actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance-at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Chief Audit Officer

Job Title: Director V

Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

Department: Internal Audit

Posting Number: 16035

Closing Date: 06/15/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Protective Services

Salary Range: $9,337.25 - $15,791.58

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-30

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework:

Travel: Up to 20%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0

97E0,SEI15

General Description:

Under the direction of the Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the Chief Auditor Officer performs highly advanced, senior-level managerial work providing direction and guidance overseeing key operations and activities of the DFPS Internal Audit Division, including leading audit activity and managing audits and consulting projects in accordance with the Texas Internal Auditing Act, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, applicable information technology auditing standards, and DFPS policies and procedures. Work involves developing strategic plans, goals, and objectives in alignment with agency strategic plans; establishing policies, procedures, standards, schedules, priorities, performance measures, and other tracking tools to determine progress in meeting goals; reviewing policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, and regulations; coordinating, evaluating, and monitoring program activities and making needed changes to business processes; and developing, reviewing, and finalizing budgets. Work also includes managing the development of annual agency-wide risk assessments; drafting the annual audit plan; representing the Internal Audit Division at meetings, in directing audits and special projects for executive management, in facilitating and participating in process improvement workgroups. The Director plans, assigns, and supervises the work of audit project managers and other professional audit staff and oversees coordination with external audit organizations. Work is performed under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.      

Essential Job Functions:

Develop standards for achieving goals.

• Coordinates with DFPS executive leadership to oversee and develop standards to promote safe and healthy families and protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; increase stability and rebuild institutional knowledge by understanding the workforce climate and the agency's needs; focus on reviewing processes, correcting inefficiencies, and adapting to change; and improve internal communications, outreach, and collaborations.

Participate in or oversee strategic communication efforts.

• Participates in strategic communication development and implementation to further the agency's goals, mission and values.
• Oversees internal communications for the agency and Commissioner, that align with strategic plans, reports, goals, and objectives.
• Supports and provides guidance to executive leaders, programs, and divisions to develop and implement communications plan that align with the agency's efforts.

Oversee the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports.

• Oversees the workflow process and tools related to document submittal. Establishes best practices, templates, and training to streamline the process and improve document quality.
• Oversees and directs all processes related to the submission, review, and documentation of decisions for reports, briefings, and other materials requiring Commissioner review, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with agency priorities.

Develop long-range and short-term plans.

• Oversees and collaborates with DFPS executive leadership to develop, establish, and implement goals and objectives consistent with the DFPS strategic plan focused on Client-Centered Services, Workforce Stability and Development, Agency Operations and Community Relations.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of DFPS long-range and short-term plans to maximize the safety and well-being of clients served, strengthen internal processes, increase stability, and rebuild institutional knowledge, and engage the public to assist with supporting and protecting clients served to promote successful outcomes.
• Works with DFPS executive leadership to develop plans and specific activities to accomplish goals and objectives for DFPS.

Directs program activities and/or business functions within a department or division.

• Directs a wide range of forums to develop and maintain excellent policy, communications, and relations with DFPS stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Coordinates and directs administrative activities of the Commissioner's and deputy commissioners' offices and assists with day-to-day office operations.
• Responsible for providing information to the Chief of Staff for use in making key decisions related to communications, engagement with services in the community administrative operations.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business functions within a department or division; and identifies need for changes.

• Advises the Chief of Staff regarding the status and progress of agency administrative operations and recommends improvements and enhancements to programs and structure.
• Takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions and interacts routinely with agency management, various community organizations, and other state agencies and partners on behalf of the agency and/or Chief of Staff to solve complex problems.
• Leads in coordinating special projects related to communications, external engagement, and administrative operations.

Develops, reviews, and approves budgets and major expenditures; and ensures that requirements of funding sources are met.

• Oversees, plans, and makes recommendations regarding budget, fiscal, and contractual documents.
• Manages resources, needs and priorities and approves budget expenditures.
• Oversees and/or develops the division budget including planning, forecasting, and resource allocation; reviews and approves departmental budgets and major expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility, compliance with policies, and alignment with strategic priorities.

Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines; and monitors compliance.

• Oversees and works with DFPS executive leadership to plan, develop, implement, and monitor new and updated policies, procedures, and guidelines for the agency that meets local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Ensures and monitors compliance of DFPS policies, procedures, guidelines, best practices, and initiatives by routinely evaluating operations and programs to ensure successful and consistent outcomes.

Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and directs evaluation activities.

• Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for solutions and initiatives to maximize the safety and well-being of clients served, strengthen internal processes, increase stability, and rebuild institutional knowledge, and engage the public to assist with supporting and protecting clients served to improve DFPS operations and processes.
• Performs a broad range of functions, including coordinating special projects and providing consultation on various complex issues to evaluate DFPS operations, programs, and processes.
• Works to develop operating plans, goals, objectives, priorities, and procedures of the executive office.
• Identifies risks and opportunities for achieving goals, evaluates alternatives, and formulates recommendations.
• Works in partnership with DFPS executive leadership and program areas to continuously assess operations, business functions, planning opportunities, identify needs, evaluate, and enhance effectiveness, identify efficiencies, and promote improved outcomes for the agency.

Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.

• Responsible for public speaking and developing relationships with and management of stakeholders, community organizations, other state agencies, private and public organizations, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
• Represent the agency, as needed, at business meetings, workgroups, task forces hearing, trials, legislatives sessions, conferences, seminars, panels, and committees to examine and explain DFPS programs and operations.

Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.

• Reviews reports developed for executive leadership, budget information and correspondence prior to Commissioner review and recommends appropriate action.
• Evaluates results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and program evaluations that impact DFPS operations and programs to provide overall guidance and consultation to the Chief of Staff when making decisions regarding operations to promote efficient, effective, and successful outcomes.

Provides professional oversight and guidance to other occupations or support staff, including executive and/or management-level staff, to ensure compliance with and adherence to regulatory standards and established procedures.

• Supervises and directs the work of executive support staff.
• Manages staff workflow and assignments and evaluates productivity and performance using a performance management strategy designed to encourage employee contribution and professional development.
• Provide direct oversight to director-level staff as well as support teams, ensuring adherence to organizational policies, regulatory standards, and established procedures.
• Act as a subject matter expert, guiding staff in understanding compliance requirements, operational policies, and industry best practices.
• Monitor staff activities to assess alignment with organizational goals and regulatory mandates, offering corrective feedback.

Participate in activities related to the legislative process including providing legislative testimony and oversee the implementation of legislative changes.

• Provides executive oversight of legislative implementation within the audit department by assessing risks, advising leadership on compliance implications, and ensuring audit based monitoring of statutory and regulatory changes.
• Consults with agency leadership, management, and staff to oversee and ensure that legislative activities, changes, and assignments are managed and implemented timely and appropriately.
• Supports the Commissioner by providing testimony at legislative hearings and legislative meetings on DFPS initiatives, programs and operations that are implemented for the agency.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Knowledge of current policies and procedures of the Texas State Auditor's Office

Knowledge of accounting and auditing theory and techniques and progressive management practices

Knowledge of governmental and internal auditing standards and procedures relating to management auditing and analysis

Knowledge of fiscal accounting, finance administration and budget control

Knowledge of government audit standards and procedures

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to department programs

Knowledge of strategic planning, the budget process, cost recovery, financial and contract management

Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to deal with various leadership styles

Knowledge of information technology, department legal processes, and business services

Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.

Skill in strategic planning and executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures

Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities

Skill in problem solving

Skill in management of department resources

Skill in leadership, communication and public speaking

Skill in presenting audit findings and recommendations verbally and in writing

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups

Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

Ability to develop, implement, communicate and lead an organizational vision which integrates key state and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors

Ability to promote and support creative thinking

Ability to lead, implement and balance change and continuity to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic state government framework

Ability to implement and use new technology and work processes to enhance decision making

Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others

Ability to explain, advocate, express facts and ideas, and negotiate with individuals and groups, internally and externally

Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions

Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of policies and programs

Licensure, Certification or Registration:

Certified public accountant (CPA) or a certified internal auditor (CIA); and at least seven years of auditing experience.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelors degree with major coursework in auditing, accounting, finance, government, political science or related business area from an accredited college or university.

Progressively responsible experience as an auditor, including experience leading teams in government auditing.

Experience developing audit objectives and audit programs, including development of detailed audit steps.

Experience planning, assigning, and supervising the work of others on internal audit projects.

Experience working with Executive level management and coordinating audit projects.

Experience coordinating and/or working with external audit entities.

Experience managing employees, including performance evaluations, hiring, terminations, etc.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditors Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver's record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.