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Iowa State Auditor

Careers & Jobs

About the Auditor of State:

The Office of Auditor of State (AOS) is charged with the responsibility for the financial and compliance audits of state and local governmental units in the State of Iowa.

These include state agencies, institutions and universities, and counties, cities and school districts.

Most auditors are located in Des Moines, although some are located throughout the state. Location placements are determined according to office staffing needs.

The Financial Audit Division is responsible for performance of annual audits of Iowa’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Single Audit Report, all state departments and agencies, as well as audits of counties, city examinations, school districts, and other governmental subdivisions as requested.

The Performance Investigation Division is responsible for conducting comprehensive performance audits of state agencies and the programs they administer. The division also investigates suspected embezzlements and conducts special studies assigned by the Auditor of State or requested by the Legislature.

Responsibilities

The Responsibilities of an Auditor:

An auditor's work will vary depending on the audit engagement. It can range from the audit of a small city to the audit of a large state agency or a state university.

All work is performed in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards, established by the U.S. General Accounting Office, which includes generally accepted auditing standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The duties of an entry-level auditor are performed under the direction of an experienced, in-charge auditor and will be under the general supervision of a Manager.

Financial Audit Division

The division is responsible for the annual audits of Iowa's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Single Audit report, as well as audits of counties, cities, school districts, and other governmental subdivisions as requested or required. This division is also responsible city examinations.

Performance Investigation Division

The division investigates suspected embezzlements or financial irregularities within state or local government entities. The division is also responsible for conducting comprehensive performance audits of state agencies.

Requirements:

Financial Auditor

The educational requirement is a bachelor's degree in accounting. While this job classification typically requires a four-year degree, the Office of Auditor of State will consider any applicant that has graduated from a post-high-school vocational/technical, business college, or community college with a minimum of twenty semester hours (or its equivalent) in accounting. Candidates are encouraged, but not required to have  at least 24 hours in accounting and 150 total semester hours which qualifies you to sit for the CPA Exam.

Performance/Investigative Auditor

The educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance emphasizing analytical skills, research and organization of data in written form. Other desirable qualifications include CPA, CIA, CFE, or related professional accomplishment.

Beyond the basic educational requirement, all auditors are expected to exhibit a positive, professional demeanor, demonstrate good communication skills and possess the ability to work well with people.

The Auditor’s Office is exempt from the state's merit system administered by the Department of Administrative Services. Therefore, it is not necessary for candidates to complete the certification process that is required for state offices under the merit system.

 

Statewide Work, Statewide Jobs

If state government works for all Iowans, it should allow all parts of the state to have the benefit of state jobs. You can work for the State Auditor's Office and live in any small town or rural area you choose. Here's how it works: once you have a year of experience in the Office to ensure a good understanding of your coworkers and the work, you can request to move anywhere in Iowa you want. Assuming your work quality is satisfactory, your request will be granted and you will be assigned to the audits that are as close as possible to your new home. For you, that means less travel, more time at home, and a life in any of Iowa's idyllic smaller communities. For our clients, that means fewer hotel stays and lowered costs for their audits. And for the State of Iowa, that means more jobs and more people in small communities where they really count, rather than putting all the jobs in the most prosperous parts of the state, where they don't have as big of an impact.
 

 

Job Benefits

The Auditor of State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

  • Flexible work hours
  • Telecommuting
  • Excellent health and dental
  • Vacation and sick leave
  • Deferred compensation plan
  • IPERS
  • Continuing Education
  • Support for professional certification examination

A performance evaluation process provides feedback on your work and is the basis for compensation increases and promotions.

Additional pay is awarded for passing the CPA, including the ethics exam, the CIA exam, or the CFE exam.

After one year in an established office, employees have the ability to continue their job while living anywhere in Iowa.

Opportunities for Advancement and Professional Development:

The Auditor’s Office believes in filling available positions by promoting qualified professionals from within the office. Advancement is based upon performance, which is monitored under an evaluation process which encourages active, two-way communication. Staff positions, in order of increasing responsibilities, are: Assistant Auditor, Staff Auditor, Senior Auditor, and Senior Auditor II. Opportunities are also available for managerial positions. Managerial positions require possession of a CPA, CIA, or CFE certificate.

Continuing professional development is required and is achieved through on-the-job training, in-house training programs and outside training courses and seminars. For those wishing to continue their formal education, a tuition reimbursement program is available for areas of study related to governmental auditing.

The Auditor’s Office supports staff members in their efforts to obtain the professional certification of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). We also encourage staff members to be active participants of the accounting profession, and promote membership and participation in professional organizations.

Travel

There will be travel! Time spent traveling varies according to the audit assignment. Overnight travel on an annual basis is approximately 25-30% for the first few years of employment. During this time, you are generally able to work a 4-day week with the exception of extended hour weeks.

You will be reimbursed for travel expenses according to the State of Iowa guidelines.

Open Positions

Assistant Auditor in Financial Audit Division

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/4116426/assistant-auditor-financial-division

 

 

How to Apply

For more information or to submit a cover letter and resume contact:

Office of Auditor of State

Room 111

State Capitol Building

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Susan Fager 515-387-3462

Susan.Fager@AOS.iowa.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer

 

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

PAID INTERSHIPS

  • Approximately $20/hour
  • Full-time Summer and Fall Semesters
  • Normal work weeks: Minimum 40 hours
  • Extended hour weeks: Minimum 48 hours
  • Extended hours weeks: certain designated weeks scheduled during September-December
  • Travel throughout Iowa to work with local governments
  • Work in metro areas for state agency
  • All work is performed in accordance with generally accepted government standards (GAGAS) which includes generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS)
  • Achieve experience and skills of auditing state and local government entities under direction of knowledgeable State Auditor Staff.

 

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