(CNN) - The temporary head of the IRS has quickly filled a senior post to help restore “the integrity” of tax agency operations, which have been buffeted by revelations it targeted conservative political groups for scrutiny.
Acting Commissioner Daniel Werfel has appointed David Fisher, a former senior official with the Government Accountability Office, as chief risk officer and senior adviser.
Fisher is steeped in financial management and internal controls, and has experience leading complex government organizations while at the GAO where he was chief administrative/chief financial officer, Werfel said in an internal e-mail announcing the appointment.
He was responsible for all internal operations, including budget, financial management, human resources, technical, business process reengineering, procurement, facilities, security and field operations.
The GAO is a government-watchdog and the investigative arm of Congress.
At the IRS, Fisher will “assess the internal operations and procedures to mitigate risks and improve internal controls necessary for restoring the integrity of IRS operations,” Werfel said.
He will also advise Werfel on any policy changes.
Fisher has been recognized throughout his career “for his accountability and high professional integrity,” Werfel said.
“His ability to master competing priorities empowers him to effectively lead organizations and address the ever-changing objectives necessary to attain organizational goals,” he added.
The IRS faces multiple congressional investigations over disclosures that it targeted conservative political groups that sought tax-exempt status for scrutiny over an 18-month period from 2010-12.
Werfel, a senior White House budget official, was appointed by President Barack Obama earlier this month on an acting basis to replace Steven Miller, who was fired after the revelations came to light in a report this month by the Treasury Department inspector general for tax matters.
Miller told Congress that a huge increase in workload, rather than deliberate targeting, led to "foolish mistakes" at the IRS.
Werfel’s tenure runs through September 30, the end of the government’s budget year.