City Auditor

About the role

The purpose of this position is to provide independent, objective, and comprehensive oversight of City government operations, finances, policies, procedures, internal controls, purchasing and contracting practices, and compliance. The Internal Auditor evaluates the effectiveness, efficiency, economy, accountability, and integrity of City activities and the use of public resources; identifies financial and operational risks, weaknesses, inefficiencies, errors, waste, fraud, abuse, and areas of noncompliance; and provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen internal controls, improve operations, ensure compliance, and promote the responsible, efficient, and transparent stewardship of taxpayer resources. The Internal Auditor shall maintain professional independence and exercise sound, objective judgment while conducting audits, investigations, special reviews, and follow-up activities. The position communicates significant findings and recommendations to appropriate City officials and oversight authorities and monitors corrective actions to promote accountability and continuous improvement throughout City government.

Responsibilities

• Conducts independent, objective internal operational and financial audits and reviews of City departments, programs, functions, and activities to determine compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, operational performance, efficiency, and use of public resources; identifies deficiencies, risks, waste, fraud, errors, and opportunities for improvement; assists departments in developing meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance measures; monitors and analyzes performance data and progress toward established targets; and develops evidence-based recommendations to strengthen controls, improve operations and service delivery, promote accountability, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Reviews City purchasing practices, procurement processes, and contracting procedures for compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Examines contracts, change orders, invoices, vendor payments, bid processes, and supporting documentation to identify compliance issues, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Identifies weaknesses in internal controls and processes that could result in financial loss, waste, fraud, abuse, errors, inefficiency, or noncompliance.
• Provides information and consultation to City departments regarding accounting practices, internal controls, and related procedures.
• Develops audit plans; establishes audit objectives, scope, time budgets, and personnel assignments.
• Conducts audits and reviews of City operations and prepares and distributes audit reports to appropriate officials and parties.
• Develops and updates audit programs and procedures, including audit objectives, scope, testing criteria, and documentation requirements.
• Analyzes information systems, procedures, and management controls; evaluates compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; and reviews operations and program performance for efficiency, effectiveness, and economy.

Requirements

• Master's degree in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, auditing, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in internal auditing, government auditing, public accounting, financial analysis, compliance, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls, financial processes, auditing principles, and risk assessment.
• Strong analytical, investigative, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to independently analyze complex financial and operational information.

Qualifications

• CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional auditing certification.
• Experience evaluating internal controls, financial operations, compliance, risk, purchasing, contracting, or operational processes.

Skills

• Independent thinker who exercises sound judgment and remains objective when evaluating sensitive or complex issues.
• Analytical problem-solver who can identify trends, risks, control weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
• Detail-oriented professional who carefully evaluates financial records, transactions, contracts, policies,