We Promote Excellence in TVA
Our mission is to make TVA better by conducting investigations, audits, and evaluations designed to promote economy and boost effectiveness while preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.
Created by Congress nine decades ago, the Tennessee Valley Authority aims to harness the potential of the rich resources in the Tennessee Valley region to make life better for the people who call it home. TVA provides electricity for the 10 million people in Tennessee and parts of six surrounding states, as well as industrial customers and federal installations. TVA also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists with local economic development efforts.
Departments
The TVA OIG is composed of three core departments which all work together to keep TVA running smoothly and efficiently, while continuously improving.
The Audits and Evaluations team performs a wide variety of both comprehensive and limited scope reviews in order to promote positive change and provide assurance to TVA’s stakeholders. All of the reviews fall into one of five categories: Contract Audits, Financial and Operational Audits, Information Technology Audits, Evaluations, and Organizational Effectiveness. The team works in accordance with professional standards to identify the risk areas of TVA, assess TVA’s efficiency and effectiveness, evaluate TVA’s fiscal and operational health, monitor compliance, measure performance, and conduct inquiries into allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement.
The Investigations team proactively and reactively uncovers activity related to fraud, waste, and abuse in TVA programs and operations. This department is staffed with Special Agents, who are supported by fraud examiners, analysts, and data specialists. TVA OIG has Investigations offices in Knoxville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Nashville, TN; and Huntsville, AL. Investigations are based on a variety of sources such as TVA management concerns and internal data analytics, Special Agent initiated inquiries, and tips and concerns provided through our hotline, the EmPowerline. The special agents collaborate with other investigative agencies and organizations on special projects and assignments, including interagency law enforcement task forces on terrorism, the environment, health care, and public corruption, as well as securities fraud.
The Administrative team supports the day-to-day operations of the OIG and develops policies and procedures designed to drive and enhance productivity in achieving the office goals. Responsibilities include IT Services (systems administration, networking, end user support, software development, and data analysis), human resources, employee development and training, budget and finance administration, contract services, and facilities coordination.
Roles
Every member of our team—from software engineers to auditors—is essential to achieving our mission of helping TVA provide exceptional service for the people of the Tennessee Valley.
Meet John
Auditor
Meet John
Auditor
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
TVA not only has a great reputation for being a good place to work, but also for serving the valley through environmental stewardship and economic development. After I learned all of the ways the OIG's work promoted economy and efficiency at TVA, I felt I could have a really big impact on where I live by working at the TVA OIG. I couldn't pass up that opportunity.
What do you do at the OIG?
I am an auditor in the Evaluations group. We perform inspections and issue reports with recommended corrective actions on a wide variety of TVA programs and operations to promote economy and efficiency at TVA.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
My favorite part about working here is the great workplace culture. We have a lot of fun working together. Everyone I work with is very knowledgeable and cognizant of how their work affects the valley. I also enjoy that the work is very challenging.
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
In the relatively short time I've been here, I've been able to perform work on a lot of different aspects of TVA. I think it's a rare opportunity to be able to see the moving pieces of a large organization and how they fit together.
Meet Jimmy
Software Engineer
Meet Jimmy
Software Engineer
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
I chose to come to the OIG because of the unique role that OIGs play in the federal government. Specifically, the role played by the TVA OIG intrigues me because of the variety of work our office does and the positive impact it has on my fellow residents in the Tennessee Valley. (There is no better place to live than in East Tennessee.)
What do you do at the OIG?
On most days, I utilize various technological tools and skills to acquire, analyze, and deliver data to the members of our office. I also get to support a number of other applications and IT projects.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
I truly enjoy the work I do and I am grateful for the flexibility and work/life balance our office's management and policies afford me.
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
Throughout my time in the office, management has always been dedicated to providing any and all resources (training, certifications, books, etc.) that I needed to further my knowledge and skills. I have always felt an openness and willingness from management to help me identify and pursue my short— and long—term career goals.
Meet Mike
Audit Manager
Meet Mike
Audit Manager
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
A friend of mine who was working with TVA OIG told me there was an opening for someone with experience and that I should interview. I knew about TVA but was not that familiar with the OIG. When I interviewed with multiple people and learned about the interesting work and their passion for wanting to make TVA better, I knew it was a place I wanted to work.
What do you do at the OIG?
I am an audit manager and am responsible for assigned audits and reviews of various TVA functions. The areas that I have audited include administrative and financial functions, nuclear operations, power transmission, river operations, and coal. We are always learning about TVA and the various responsibilities of the agency.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
The best part of working with the TVA OIG is that we are continuously doing something different. We very seldom repeat audits as there are so many facets of TVA to review and look at. This means that we are always learning something new!
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
The TVA OIG has provided many learning opportunities which have advanced my career. I have learned a lot more about operational audits and what they entail. Additionally, I have increased my understanding and awareness of how to treat others in a professional and respectful manner.
Meet Sarah
IT Audits Director
Meet Sarah
IT Audits Director
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
Growing up in East Tennessee, TVA was always a respected piece of our region's history. When I received the opportunity to join the TVA OIG out of college, I was eager to join an organization where I could learn more about the agency and do my part in maintaining the rich legacy.
What do you do at the OIG?
I am an Audit Manager in Information Technology Audits. Our team conducts technology-related audits to provide TVA feedback on how to make improvements in security, privacy, operations, and compliance to federal regulation.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
I enjoy the work environment and people at the TVA OIG. We have talented, experienced people who bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Our office has invested in building a healthy work environment where people are encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and break down barriers to obstacles that may be slowing us down.
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
In my ten years with the OIG, I have gained valuable audit and leadership experience and have been challenged to succeed and grow in my career. The OIG invests in its people by offering the necessary training opportunities and work experiences to be successful.
Meet Stephanie
Senior Auditor
Meet Stephanie
Senior Auditor
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
TVA is relatively well-known in Southeast Tennessee so I was familiar with the company when I applied for the auditor position. Although I had always heard that TVA was a wonderful company to work for, I had never heard of the Inspector General's Office. Throughout the interview process, I was impressed by the managers and employees that I met. After hearing more about the OIG's goal of making TVA better and the diverse nature of audit topics, I knew this would be an interesting job to have.
What do you do at the OIG?
Currently I'm a senior auditor in the Financial and Operational Audits group. We audit a wide variety of TVA areas.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
My two favorite things about this job are my co-workers and the flexibility of work schedules. The people I work with are very intelligent and caring people. I like that they challenge me to become a better auditor.
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
Throughout my ten years with the OIG, I have worked on a wide variety of reviews and audits. From walking through a nuclear plant to working with TVA's power distributors, I feel like I've gotten to experience many things I wouldn't have elsewhere. The OIG also has a career path set out for entry level auditors that was very helpful in the first few years. I've had the opportunity to lead audits and work with a broad range of TVA employees. I think working here has helped me become a well-rounded auditor.
Meet Leslie
Senior Auditor
Meet Leslie
Senior Auditor
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
When I was invited to interview with the TVA OIG a few years ago, I didn't really know much about TVA or what an OIG was. So I went into the interview hoping for the best. There were plenty of opportunities out there and this was just one of the many interviews I had scheduled, so I felt indifferent. My attitude changed completely when I arrived at my interview and started meeting some of the OIG employees. Everyone I met was so genuinely friendly and inviting; it was by far the best interview experience I had ever had. By the time I left the interview, I knew I absolutely wanted to work here. So when I was offered the position, I was more than excited to accept and join the TVA OIG family.
What do you do at the OIG?
I work in Evaluations, which is very similar to operational auditing. In accordance with the OIG's mission of promoting economy and efficiency at TVA while preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, the Evaluations group reviews TVA's processes, programs, and policies. This provides substantial opportunity to learn about different aspects of TVA operations. I love that my job in Evaluations pushes me to continuously learn new things and take on challenging projects; the work is never boring or monotonous.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
The best thing about working at the TVA OIG is the people. We work to cultivate trusting relationships with each other and promote a healthy office culture. The TVA OIG really is a family.
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
Since my very first day here, the TVA OIG has continued to give me great career opportunities. Not only have I been able to get out and see TVA, but I've had opportunity after opportunity to learn and grow in the audit profession and my own career. The career paths at the TVA OIG are designed to help the employees build their careers and succeed.
Meet Joel
Senior Auditor
Meet Joel
Senior Auditor
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
I wanted to work for a company versus doing public accounting. I wanted to make a difference somewhere I could stay for a while and gain experience doing a wide range of work.
What do you do at the OIG?
I am a contract auditor and audit all types of contracts. I rarely review the same thing, so that means you are always doing something new.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
My favorite part about working here is the people. I am surrounded by smart, hardworking men and women who want to make a difference for TVA.
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
TVA OIG gave me an opportunity to start a career that I have grown to love. I have gained valuable experience that has helped improve my work and impact for TVA.
Meet Jennifer
Senior Auditor
Meet Jennifer
Senior Auditor
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
I grew up in East Tennessee, and can appreciate all of the benefits TVA has brought to the Valley, so I have a vested interest in TVA's operational performance and financial health. I was looking for an opportunity to work in an organization where I felt that my efforts were going to help improve company operations. I felt like being a member of the TVA OIG would allow my personal contributions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of TVA operations and Valley-wide initiatives.
What do you do at the OIG?
I work in our Contract Audits department, and I perform contract proposal examinations and contract compliance audits. Prior to awarding a new contract or modifying the terms and conditions of an existing contract, my group evaluates the commercial conditions of the proposal and provides recommendations on the reasonableness of costs associated with the various cost components of the potential contract award or modification. We perform contract compliance audits of existing contracts to determine if billed costs are reasonable, supported, and in compliance with the contract terms and conditions.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
I really enjoy the type of work I do, and every proposal and contract is different, so I don't get stuck in a routine. I have a great working relationship with my peers, and we collaborate and share information so we can leverage each other's skill sets and areas of expertise. I enjoy working with a team that is so open to helping each other succeed. In addition, TVA OIG promotes a healthy work/life balance for employees, which has provided me with the opportunity to have a career and still be present for my son's school activities and other life events.
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
TVA OIG has given me the opportunity to develop technical expertise in performing contract audit work, as well as improve my communication skills for fostering an open dialogue with all levels of my organization and those external to my organization.
Meet Noel
Senior Auditor
Meet Noel
Senior Auditor
Why did you choose to come to the OIG?
Prior to coming to the TVA OIG, I worked for approximately 7 years in public accounting. All of my time in public accounting was spent auditing financial statements, and I wanted to experience something different. I also spent a lot of time traveling and wanted to be able to spend more of that time at home enjoying my farm, being around friends, and just enjoying life.
What do you do at the OIG?
I work in the Organizational Effectiveness group, which is part of Evaluations. Essentially, for each business unit (BU) selected for review, we identify strengths and risks that could impact that BU's effectiveness by looking at its culture and operations.
What do you like about working at the OIG?
The opportunities for learning are great because we get to work on a true variety of projects. For example, I have been able to work on audits/reviews related to TVA's Hearing Conservation Program, TVA's Debt Ceiling, and TVA's Enterprise Risk Management Program, to name just a few. I also value our Telework Program, which allows individuals to work outside the office, at home or otherwise. I feel it allows me to be more independent, self-directed, and productive. It also gives me a better work/life balance.
How has the OIG helped you build your career?
My work at the TVA OIG has immensely widened my operational auditing experience, and given me a more holistic approach to auditing. I have also gained valuable knowledge specific to the utility industry.
Auditors
The Audits and Evaluations team generates and oversees comprehensive financial, performance, operational audits, and effectiveness reviews of TVA programs and operations. These provide an inclusive picture of TVA’s overall fiscal, operational, and cultural health.
Special Agents & Fraud Examiners
The Investigations team uncovers activity related to fraud, waste, and abuse in TVA programs and operations.
IT & HR
Our Administrative team provides a critical role in supporting the OIG team to ensure they have the tools and resources to effectively perform their roles.