COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST                                                                                                                       31490     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            (Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

             The position is responsible for reviewing operations across departments within the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) to ascertain the Agency’s compliance with laws, standards, regulations and procedures.  Under the supervision of the Executive Director or their designee, an employee in this class is responsible for testing the effectiveness of controls, reviewing compliance with applicable laws and reporting the results of these assessments to the Executive Director.  This position works to strengthen the controls, processes and compliance of the Agency.  Supervision is not a function of this class.   Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

             Monitors the functioning of existing internal controls throughout the Agency for adequate effectiveness and compliance, regularly testing key items related to compliance with laws and regulations and interfacing with department managers as needed.

             Works to ensure the Agency’s system of risk management and procedures are effective, to achieve the Agency’s strategic objectives and ensure procedures are in place and being followed to protect Agency assets.

             Communicates the results of testing to management, provides recommendations to improve controls/compliance and performs follow-up testing to ensure improved controls are in place.

             Reviews fiscal transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance, tests key compliance-related fiscal controls and reports findings to management.

             Assists the Executive Director, or their designee, in establishing compliance-related internal controls, ensuring the agency’s internal control program meets requirements established by law, with special emphasis on the New York State Governmental Accountability Act of 2005 and its 2009 Amendments.

             At the direction of the Executive Director, may provide and present written reports and recommendations to the Audit Committee, to assist Board members in their understanding of relevant laws and regulations.

             Forwards, but does not independently investigate, possible fraud, asset misappropriation or other confidential items to the Executive Director, or their designee, for their review and appropriate action.

             Researches new laws or regulations as they relate to compliance and internal control of the agency, and provides written reports to management to assist in implementation of protocols to ensure continued compliance.

             Performs related clerical and administrative duties as assigned.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

             Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of measuring and evaluating the adequacy of internal controls.

             Thorough knowledge of the principles and procedures of Public Authorities Law and other relevant laws which apply directly to OCRRA.

             Ability to review both financial and operating controls, processes and transaction to see how well they conform with established laws, standards, regulations and procedures.

             Ability to employ project management skills and analytical skills.

             Ability to read, analyze and interpret regulations, policies and procedures.

             Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

             Ability to be objective and work with discretion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree or higher and one (1) year of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in either internal controls testing or operational assessments, compliance and/or internal auditing; or,
2. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree and three (3) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in either internal controls testing or operational assessments, compliance and/or internal auditing, ; or,
3. Five (5) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in either internal controls testing or operational assessments, compliance and/or internal auditing.

07/2025 Date of Original Composition