Training
Training is one of the top priorities of the Auditor of Public Accounts. We understand that our staff are our most important assets and help make us successful in meeting our mission. Maintaining well-trained staff also helps us satisfy the government auditing standards that we are committed to follow.
At the APA, you will be constantly learning, whether informally from other specialty team members, fellow audit team members, on the job at your clients, or in formal training programs. You will be supported by people who are committed to helping you develop and grow as a professional and as an individual. No matter where you are in your career path, you will be able to further develop your skills and expand your knowledge base through a wide range of programs and resources that can be tailored to your needs.
Our auditors attend a variety of general and specialized training classes throughout their careers. Each auditor receives at least of 40 hours of training annually. General training classes are designed to provide staff with professional development in governmental accounting and auditing, and personal development in the areas of supervision and leadership. Specialized training classes are designed to develop staff to have an advanced level of knowledge in their selected area of expertise.
During the first year of employment auditors receive a variety of core training classes on topics that we believe are necessary to make you successful. These classes may include:
- How to Properly Document Your Test Work
- Government Auditing Standards
- Analyzing Data Using Computer Products, such as Excel adn Microsoft Access
- How to Audit Colleges and Universities
- Understanding the Government Budgeting Process
- Effective Time Management Skills
- Writing Effective Audit Reports
Training is not an area we take lightly! The needs of our staff are carefully considered and not everyone receives the same training. Instead, our auditors meet semi-annually with their supervisors to develop their training plans for the following year. These plans are individualized and consider audit experience, specialty area, and areas of improvement in work performance.
As a new staff, you can expect your first training plan to contain mostly general audit training, taught by our own staff that have expertise in the topic. As you gain experience, your plan will shift to more specialty-based training and be taught by outside subject matter experts. In some cases staff may attend trainings taught by outside instructors and then return to teach what they have learned to their fellow specialty team members.
In addition to the formalized training, staff are provided comprehensive on-the-job training to further advance their professional skills. Such training will provide staff an awareness of the interrelationship of the various parts of an audit, as well as the opportunity to get involved in these areas. The Office will provide assignments that involve increased technical complexity and supervisory responsibility in line with the individual’s capabilities.