What does an inspector general do?
An inspector general is responsible for doing audit reports and inspections to ensure that no possible fraud, misconduct, corruption, or power abuse in the government or private sector occurs. Their role is to monitor and inspect the agencies' effectiveness, assess possible mismanagement of a company, and improve the economy. Also, they usually conduct and review audit reports or investigations to ensure an agency's compliance to the policies and guidelines.
Inspector general responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real inspector general resumes:
- Identify the appropriate DoD organizations and project locations to accomplish assign project objectives.
- Conduct complex functional inspections, focuse on logistics management of DoD activities.
- Issue hundreds of subpoenas for production of records.
- Conduct inquiries, investigations and respond to Hotline complaints.
- Install overhead cranes, rail systems, trolley hoists.
- Update the GIS system with new data as projects are complete.
- Provide detailed reports, executive summaries, and out-briefs to HQ AMC leadership base on inspections results.
- Review fraud cases, calculate monetary penalties, draft subpoenas, initial complaints, demand and closing letters.
- Provide administrative assistance in the conduct and completion of hotline investigations.
- Evaluate maintenance organizations for combat capability, safety, and compliance.
- Inspect organization's training, information/personnel security, and logistics records for compliance.
- Provide written reports and oral presentations on OIG activities for internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare detail reports of all investigations conduct of the Medicaid providers and pharmacy providers.
- Ensure fighter wing combat readiness through planning, coordinating and executing base-wide exercises and inspections.
- Hand-Pic for senior-level role entailing oversight of key maintenance and logistics operations for major global deployments.
Inspector general skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Inspectors General are proficient in IG, OIG, and DOD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Math skills, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Inspectors General that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- IG, 15%
Performed IG research and investigations on command issues and drafted proposals on commander initiatives for presentation to decision making officials.
- OIG, 12%
Briefed management weekly on the progress of investigations and the significant findings of OIG investigations impacting FDIC insured institutions.
- DOD, 7%
Saved DOD over $46,000 in procedure development/enhancements (cockpit integration) of contracted aircrew/aircraft decontamination procedures with Boeing Aircraft Company.
- Corrective Action, 6%
Provide oversight and management of accident reports submitted by units for completeness and accuracy, and appropriateness of identified corrective actions.
- Audit Reports, 6%
Review previous inspection and audit reports in preparation for initial or follow-up inspections.
- Fraud Waste, 5%
Created and implemented data analysis programs designed to identify fraud waste and abuse.
Most inspectors general use their skills in "ig," "oig," and "dod" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential inspector general responsibilities here:
Math skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling inspector general duties is math skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "knowledge of basic math is important for measuring, calibrating, and calculating specifications in quality control testing." According to an inspector general resume, here's how inspectors general can utilize math skills in their job responsibilities: "machine operator- lap grinder, polish jack ndt inspector mathematical bearing match special process operator- black oxide"
Mechanical skills. inspectors general are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to inspector general responsibilities, because "quality control inspectors use tools and machinery when testing products." An inspector general resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "performed mechanical, visual, and or ndt inspection on various parts per customer requirements. "
Physical strength. For certain inspector general responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "physical strength." The day-to-day duties of an inspector general rely on this skill, as "quality control inspectors may be required to lift or maneuver heavy production materials or finished products." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what inspectors general do: "protect and strengthen gao programs and operations by detecting and preventing fraud, waste and abuse of funds. "
Technical skills. Another crucial skill for an inspector general to carry out their responsibilities is "technical skills." A big part of what inspectors general relies on this skill, since "to ensure that products and parts meet quality standards, inspectors must understand the relevant blueprints, technical documents, and manuals." How this skill relates to inspector general duties can be seen in an example from an inspector general resume snippet: "supervised employees and provided technical guidance in repairing and running power generation equipment. "
The three companies that hire the most inspector generals are:
- U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission2 inspectors general jobs
- MKP Capital Management
1 inspectors general jobs
- My Florida Regional Mls1 inspectors general jobs
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Compare different inspectors general
Inspector general vs. Catcher
The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between inspectors general and catcher. For instance, inspector general responsibilities require skills such as "ig," "oig," "dod," and "corrective action." Whereas a catcher is skilled in "quality checks," "assembly line," "ppe," and "tape measure." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Catchers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $34,416. Comparatively, inspectors general tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $59,592.The education levels that catchers earn slightly differ from inspectors general. In particular, catchers are 15.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an inspector general. Additionally, they're 3.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inspector general vs. Test operator
Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures. They also have in-depth knowledge of the expected outcomes of such processes to ensure that the company only provides quality products and services. Quality assurance auditors are also familiar with regulatory laws and policies of governing bodies that oversee companies in their particular industry. They ensure that their companies are compliant and may conduct random quality checks every now and then.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that inspector general responsibilities requires skills like "ig," "oig," "dod," and "corrective action." But a test operator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "test equipment," "hand tools," "test procedures," and "test results."
On average, test operators earn a lower salary than inspectors general. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, test operators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $44,634. Whereas inspectors general have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $59,592.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Test operators tend to reach lower levels of education than inspectors general. In fact, they're 14.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inspector general vs. Quality assurance inspector
A certified welding inspector is primarily in charge of inspecting welding works, ensuring its' strength and quality. Their responsibilities also entail checking safety equipment and materials, understanding project requirements, testing welds to ensure it functions according to its purpose, and evaluating the daily operations of welders to ensure that they adhere to the safety standards and regulations while operating various tools and equipment. Moreover, a certified welding inspector also helps welders by developing welding techniques to optimize operations, teaching the correct welding practices, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, inspectors general are more likely to have skills like "ig," "oig," "dod," and "audit reports." But a quality assurance inspector is more likely to have skills like "calipers," "micrometers," "safety standards," and "quality standards."
Quality assurance inspectors make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $48,138. On the other hand, inspectors general are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $59,592.Most quality assurance inspectors achieve a lower degree level compared to inspectors general. For example, they're 12.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inspector general vs. Certified welding inspector
Types of inspector general
Updated January 8, 2025
