Course Information
Applied Data Analysis for Government Audit Professionals
Course Description
This intensive 4-hour course, "Introduction to Data Analysis for State Audit Professionals and Leaders in the 21st Century," is designed specifically for Texas State Agency Auditors. Participants will explore the evolving role of data analysis in government auditing and its alignment with Texas Government Code, Section 2102.012. The training focuses on practical skills, covering how to identify and acquire relevant data from state agency systems, perform essential data cleaning and preparation, and apply core analytical techniques including trend analysis, variance analysis, and Benford's Law, primarily using Microsoft Excel. Emphasis is placed on utilizing these techniques for effective risk assessment and fraud detection, understanding sampling methodologies, and addressing critical ethical and data privacy considerations. The course culminates in learning how to create clear and impactful data visualizations to communicate audit findings effectively through hands-on exercises.
Course Objectives
By the end of the session Texas state agency audit professionals will be able to:
1. Understand the evolving role of data analysis in government auditing.
2. Apply the Texas Government Code, Section 2102.012, to data analysis practices.
3. Identify and acquire relevant data sources within Texas state agencies.
4. Perform data cleaning, preparation, and core analysis techniques using Excel.
5. Utilize data analysis for risk assessment and fraud detection.
6. Create effective data visualizations using Excel to communicate audit findings.
Outline:
Lesson 1: Introduction to Data Analysis in Government Auditing (0-60 Minutes)
0-15 min: Welcome & Introduction; The Evolving Landscape of Auditing; Q&A
15-30 min: Texas Government Code, Section 2102.012 and its Relevance; Discussion
30-50 min: Identifying Data Sources within Texas State Agencies (incl. CAPPS); Exercise 1: Data Source Identification (Group Activity & Review)
50-60 min: Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy (incl. Texas Public Information Act); Q&A/Discussion)
Lesson 2: Data Acquisition, Preparation and Core Analysis Techniques (60-120 Minutes)
60-75 min: Data Acquisition Strategies and Tools (Excel Import/Text-to-Columns Demo)
75-90 min: Data Cleaning and Preparation (Excel Demo - Missing Values, Duplicates, Formatting); Exercise 2: Data Cleaning and Descriptive Statistics (Hands-on Excel Demo & Review)
90-110 min: Core Analysis Techniques (Trend, Variance, Ratio Analysis; Excel Demo - TREND(), PivotTables); Exercise 3: Trend and Variance Analysis (Hands-on Excel & Review)
110-120 min: Introduction to Benford's Law and its Applications (Concept; Excel Demo - LEFT(), COUNTIF(); Q&A/Discussion)
Lesson 3: Risk Assessment, Fraud Detection, and Sampling (120-180 Minutes)
120-140 min: Using Data Analysis for Risk Assessment (Concepts; Excel Handout Demo - VLOOKUP(), SUMIF(), Risk Matrix); Start Exercise 4: Risk Assessment & Fraud Detection (Hands-on Excel Demo)
140-160 min: Applying Data Analysis for Fraud Detection (Techniques - Anomaly, Benford's; Excel Demo); Continue Exercise 4 (Excel Demo & Review)
160-180 min: Sampling Methodologies and Population Analysis (Concepts - Random, Stratified, Systematic; Excel Demo - RAND(), INDEX()); Q&A/Discussion
Lesson 4: Data Visualization, Communication, Tools & Conclusion (180-240 Minutes)
180-200 min: Principles of Effective Data Visualization (Chart Types, Storytelling; Excel Demo - Bar, Line, Pie Charts); Demo Exercise 5: Data Visualization and Reporting (Excel Demo)
200-220 min: Overview of Data Analysis Tools (Brief on R, Python, Tableau); Sharing Resources; Review of Practical Exercises & Final Q&A
220-240 min: Course Conclusion; Review of Key Takeaways; Thank You & Adjourn
Deliverables
-A 4-hour interactive session delivered in-person or online during the SAO FY2026 Course schedule.
-A dynamic, inclusive presentation style that accommodates a diverse audience, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all attendees with course outline and hand-outs.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite not required.
YB 4.23 (P)
Instructors
Julie Fitzpatrick, a management consultant with over 30 years of experience in Corporate America with companies including Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Shell Oil Company, and AARP. She has also worked for the Federal Reserve Banks of Philadelphia and Richmond where she has worked on an internal audit. Julie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Temple University. She specializes in building high-performing teams while developing new products in heavily regulated industries (financial services and oil & gas) requiring her to master risk management and working with audit teams. She has extensive experience working with regulators including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Office of the Controller of the Currency (OCC).
Julie Fitzpatrick’s career highlights include:
Launched the Hotels.com Visa Credit Card in 2020 while at Wells Fargo navigating compliance and regulatory requirements
Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) as a 2018 Woman of STEAM
SAO Conference 2025 Keynote Speaker
Dr. Tomeka S. Williams, a consulting instructor, course developer, financial data analyst, and statistical subject matter expert with over 26 years of practitioner, research, and leadership experience as an individual contributor, project leader, department manager, and director for at most 100 staff members at any given time. As a current Consulting Instructor, Dr. Williams teaches courses for federal civilian agencies, DoD, and private sector audiences using student-centered methodologies (e.g., teaching to performance-based learning objectives, individual and group exercises and/or role plays, involving performance of functions under simulated conditions, and interactive discussions with the instructor serving as the facilitator). Course audiences range in education levels from high school graduate to postgraduate.
Additional Information
§ TAC Rule 523.142(g) requires the CPE Sponsor to monitor individual attendance and assign the correct number of CPE credits. Participants will be asked to document their time of arrival and departure in compliance with this Rule. Additionally, attendance will be monitored throughout the day and CPE certificates will reflect actual attendance of each participant.
To see answers to our Frequently Asked Questions, visit Texas State Auditor's Office - Professional Development FAQs.