| HUD Office of Inspector General | ||
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HUD Office of Inspector General For some reason, jobseekers often overlook
the wide range of opportunities available in public service, work that
can be just as challenging and rewarding as jobs in the private
sector. Lorenzo Garcia is a good example of a government employee who
loves his work. He has found an interesting, challenging and rewarding
career with the HUD Office of Inspector General. The OIG is an
independent unit that conducts and supervises audits and
investigations of Housing and Urban Development programs and
operations. The mission of the OIG is to look for fraud, waste and
abuse in any HUD programs. As an auditor with the OIG, it is
Garcia’s job to help make sure that taxpayer dollars are accounted
for and used efficiently in HUD programs, activities and functions.
His background in accounting gives him the ability to review and
investigate the financial data and to make sure that the programs are
working and reaching their goals. But Garcia’s job is not simply
looking at financial statements and ledger entries; it also involves
creativity and detective work. He can also help to identify ways to
improve HUD programs and operations, so that HUD can become more
responsive to the needs of the American public. In this type of job,
there is always something new to learn, and new people to meet. He
interacts with a variety of people including government officials and
he helps investigators to perform their duties in a range of diverse
programs. There are four distinct offices within the OIG--the Office of Audit is where Garcia works. Some of Garcia’s assignments include checking out HUD programs and funding going for public housing, housing authority programs for low-income housing, programs to rebuild and modernize public housing, assistance to areas that need economic development and examining other types of funds that help the community. Billions of dollars go to these programs and the OIG Office of Audit is there to make sure it is being most efficiently used. As an auditor he asks the questions: Is it working? How are they spending the money? How many people are they reaching? Are the controls working? Lorenzo Garcia’s department is responsible for the San Antonio region and South Texas, but at times, his office is also part of nationwide audits in other locations and he often interacts with people in Washington D.C. “One of our main responsibilities is reporting to Congress, so that they can propose budgets. I enjoy meeting with public officials, people at HUD and others that I come in contact with. I like my job, it can be a lot of work at times, but I’m able to meet a variety of people and travel once in a while.” |
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“It’s always challenging, no one person here
has seen every program. That’s what makes it interesting—it’s
not the same thing all the time. Also, an auditor is allowed to use
creativity and knowledge to meet their goals. As long as you adhere to
government auditing standards, both innovative and traditional methods can be
used. And plenty of training is given. So you can learn a lot.
Usually, it is geared to learning program requirements and different
research and resource procedures.” Before coming to the OIG, Garcia earned a BBA in
accounting, and he got his start with a large CPA firm, but the glut
of accountants at that time curtailed his chances for advancement.
“But I got lucky to find a better position with HUD Office of
Inspector General. I didn’t know what to expect from government
investigation and detective work. What I found was that it was a
chance to really make a difference, one audit at a time .I like to
feel like I make a difference, for the government, the community and
the taxpayers. This organization has really allowed me to grow as a
person and in my career as well. As a Hispanic, I have also been able
to contribute with my bilingual skills. I’ve conducted interviews
with people and have also used my Spanish reading and writing skills.
It’s great to be able to use all of that.” The OIG Headquarters Office of Audit consists of
the Technical Oversight and Planning Division, Financial Audits Division,
and Information Systems Audit Division and Headquarters Audit's
division. In addition, the OIG Office of
Audit has 11 District Offices that operate 24 Field Offices in major
cities throughout the United States. Says Garcia, “There are over
600 OIG auditors and special agents nationwide, but we can use a lot more, especially
bilingual auditors. We really need to recruit them, especially in
certain regions. You will need an accounting or related degree, but,
if you want to find work as an investigator, your degree can be in a
variety other areas. They have a badge and a gun, but I just work with
a pen,” he adds with a laugh. Actually, Garcia has worked with the
FBI and with OIG special agents, and at times he has worked on cases
that have made the papers. On occasion there are civil penalties
involved and Garcia is called on to testify in trials, or he may be
asked to participate in administrative hearings. In some cases, where
mismanagement or wrongdoing is involved, people may be removed from
their duties and those public officials are no longer able to gain
access to HUD funded programs. Although that is the exception, as he
has found that the vast majority of the programs adhere to government
regulations. OIG employees enjoy a comprehensive, competitive
suite of benefits, including health, dental, life and disability
insurance, and 401(k). “At the OIG, we are well rewarded, the pay is
comparable to the private sector, the benefits are great and there are
many opportunities for accelerated promotions. It is also a great
opportunity for entry-level graduates, and there are many incentives
for new hires, for example, recruiting bonuses of 25% are offered in
certain cities and the agency may also pay a percentage of student
loans. There is also plenty of training available on an ongoing basis,
so there is an opportunity to learn a great deal on the job. Child
care is available and there is a potential for travel and even a
location change if desired. They really want to recruit us and keep
us,” Garcia says, adding, “It’s a great job and I really love my
work. I feel very fortunate to be here.” The OIG offers challenging and rewarding opportunities in a variety of careers. For more information: 451 7th Street S.W., (202) 708 1112
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| HUD Office of Inspector General | ||
