Senior Compliance And Fraud Risk Specialist

Why Work Here?

Our mission to achieve universal service addresses America’s current critical needs to build out broadband capabilities for telehealth, online learning, and keeping families connected. Join us and help USAC accomplish our mission to bridge the digital divide. Through its administration of the $10 billion Universal Service Fund (USF) programs on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), USAC works to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable and affordable rates and to increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the nation. Additional information on USF programs can be found at: https://www.usac.org/about/

Benefits

USAC supports our employees well beyond their salary with a system of benefits that rivals the top organizations in the country. Simply put: if you are committed to improving the lives of others, we are committed to improving yours. USAC provides low-premium, top-of-the-line medical, dental, and vision insurance in addition to disability and life coverage. Generous 401k contribution, Federal and floating holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time that increases every year. Regular telework schedule and opportunities to take professional development courses and training.

A Multicultural Team

We have actively built an organization that doesn’t just celebrate our diversity; we depend on it. The challenges of achieving universal service require creative and unique perspectives. Our accepting and inclusive community will challenge you to grow and learn from others while always recognizing the value of your contribution.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume, click the “Apply For This Job Online” button.

USAC employees are passionate about our mission. Our work contributes to the success of all Americans. We’ve worked together to build a culture that is collaborative, ambitious, outcome-oriented, and feedback-focused. As USAC continues to support universal service impacting healthcare providers, educators, and consumers, it is critical now more than ever that we hire people equally passionate and committed to helping fulfill our mission. We are currently seeking a dynamic and collaborative professional to serve as Senior Compliance and Fraud Risk Specialist- Investigator

This is an outstanding career opportunity for an individual interested in a genuine professional challenge in support of a public-spirited mission.

Working in a creative and fast-paced environment, the purpose of this position is to analyze Fraud Risk trends within the Universal Service Fund (USF) and appropriated fund programs USAC administers. This includes identifying opportunities for fraud, waste, and abuse within each program and conducting investigations into potential fraud activities using data-based trend analysis, stakeholder complaints, whistleblower allegations and law enforcement referrals. This role will also provide support in project management, business process development, and Fraud Risk management for the Fraud Risk group in the office of general counsel to help reduce fraud, waste, and abuse by providing operational and technical support to refine fraud and Fraud Risk prevention and detection processes and execute USAC’s anti-fraud strategy and Fraud response plan.

Responsibilities

• Investigate potentially fraudulent activities within the Universal Service Fund (USF) programs to recover fraudulently distributed funds and combat potential internal and external fraud and Fraud Risks within the programs.
• Monitor and log incoming whistleblower allegations and quickly determine (1) which USF program(s) are affected, (2) the level of risk, and (3) whether to open a fraud investigation or to pass along to other USAC division(s).
• Assess complaints and whistleblower allegations for potential fraud or Fraud Risks received by USAC through initial open-source research and internal program data analysis to evaluate the viability of allegations prior to formulating an investigation plan.
• Leverage the expertise of other USAC departments in order to thoroughly research potential fraud or Fraud Risks.
• Identify objective, focus area and scope for investigation plans, including preparing investigative steps, milestones and completion dates, letter of inquiries, written and verbal analysis and recommendations for investigations.
• Apply investigative techniques, interview, validate information, and produce clear and concise reports on potential fraud and Fraud Risk activities.
• Independently develop and conduct investigations and analyze information arising from allegations or irregularities, potential fraud, conflict of interest and impropriety.
• Provide timely and accurate updates on investigations to assist decision-making process within the team and across functions.
• Participate in regular meetings to share identified fraud, Fraud Risks, and Fraud trends with USAC and FCC stakeholders.
• Make recommendations for next steps after concluding the investigation, including recovery of improper payment, Fraud Risk mitigating activities, and potential law enforcement referrals for further actions.
• Support federal government agencies, particularly the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice with law enforcement investigations.
• Work with other members of the USAC Office of General Counsel and business units concerning the USF and Appropriated Fund programs and conduct examinations for potential fraud and Fraud Risks events.
• Apply best practice project management standards to significant program initiatives to ensure milestones are met on time, and associated processes are efficient.
• Collaborate with various internal teams across various programs USAC administers as well as external stakeholders to manage stakeholders’ inquiries and timelines, their requests for data and address challenges timely and appropriately.
• Support management and process owners in the documentation and updating of policies, procedures, job aids, and process flows for manual and automated processes.
• Develop subject matter familiarity of USAC's programs to inform critical decisions regarding operational challenges, interdependencies, business requirements, etc.
• Track operational metrics, update design and business process alignment and monitor progress against performance indicators to ensure project delivery of viable solutions.
• Identify and drive business process development and improvements to advance USAC's operational efficiencies, regulatory Compliance and prevent further inherent Fraud Risks to the fund. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  1. Assessing current procedures for areas of risks and/or Fraud Risks or inefficiency.
  2. Designing new processes and recommending improvements to existing processes.
  3. Executing plans for operational improvements across all applicable work streams.
• Implement a plan and standard practices to manage program risk. Responsibilities include:
  1. Ensuring that risks are appropriately identified and mitigated by the organization and division.
  2. Applying best practice methodologies to identify, assess, respond to, and monitor Fraud Risks.
  3. Educating teammates on Fraud Risk management methodologies.
  4. Establishing and managing risk tracking, reporting, and communication.
  5. Managing potential fraud and Fraud Risk-related reporting and ensuring relevant process and Fraud Risk information is communicated to USAC management and the FCC in a manner that facilitates mitigation of Fraud Risk and remediation.
• Contribute to Compliance and Fraud Risk-related activities including law enforcement referrals, complaints, and whistleblower allegations, with an eye toward building solutions into business processes.
• Collaborate with other departments to improve USAC’s antifraud culture.
• Contribute to quarterly reports, fraud trainings, and Fraud awareness campaigns.
• Other specific duties as assigned.

About You

The successful candidate will excel at operating in a diverse and fluid environment and will be crucial for the success of the Office of General Counsel

• Bachelor's Degree and/or relevant technical training and certifications.
• Five (5) to Seven (7) years of directly related experience.
• One (1) to Two (2) years of operational and/or technical experience
• Experience with federal regulatory Compliance and potential fraud and Fraud Risk investigations in entitlement and benefit programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver information concisely orally and in writing, with experience communicating with all levels of internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and executives.
• Excellent analytical and proven problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify, implement, and drive effective process improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop and maintain positive stakeholder rapport.
• Proactive and highly organized, with high attention to detail and follow through with the ability to handle multiple, complex tasks and establish priorities.
• Ability to think critically, work with the sense of urgency and apply professional skepticism in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and be able to exercise sound business judgment, knowing when to escalate issues appropriately and make informed business decisions.
• Previous audit background a plus.
• Experience with Universal Service Fund and appropriated funds preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Visio)

Licenses

• PMP, CIA, CFE, and/or CPA preferred.

USAC is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. All offers of employment with USAC are conditioned on completing and passing a background and reference check. USAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No agencies please.