Auditor-Appraiser Trainee

County of Orange; California; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Orange, California is seeking motivated individuals for the Auditor-Appraiser Trainee position, open to the public. This entry-level role provides a structured training path in auditing and appraisal, enabling you to progress toward the Auditor-Appraiser I after one year of learning under defined guidelines.

Responsibilities include field inspections, financial analysis, and applying valuation techniques across real, business, and personal property.

Qualifications

• Training program leading to Auditor-Appraiser I after one year.
• Possession of a valid Appraiser Certificate or ability to obtain Temporary Appraiser Certificate; California Driver License Class C+.
• Foreign degrees require evaluation of U.S. equivalency by a NACES member agency.

Responsibilities

• Launch careers through structured training in auditing and appraisal.
• Inspect and appraise real, business, and personal property.
• Analyze financial records to support valuation.
• Apply depreciation methods and determine replacement costs.
• Travel for audits as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

AUDITOR-APPRAISER TRAINEE

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Auditor-Appraiser Trainee positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment is open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:59p.m. (PST). Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

THE OFFICE OF THE ASSESSOR

The Assessor's Office values all legally assessable property with uniformity and impartiality, producing property tax assessment rolls in accordance with the laws of the State of California. The Assessor staff help Business, Real and Personal Property owners understand their property valuations and apply exclusions and exemptions as allowed by property tax law.

Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

Click here for more information on the Assessor's Office.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The County of Orange is seeking motivated, detail-oriented candidates to launch their careers as Auditor-Appraiser Trainees. This entry-level position in the Auditor-Appraiser series offers a structured path for professional growth, providing the training and hands-on experience needed to independently perform complex real property, business property, and personal property auditing and appraisal work. Working under defined guidelines, Trainees build a strong foundation in valuation and assessment practices and, after one year, are prepared for promotion to Auditor-Appraiser I.

Examples of duties include but are not limited to:

• Professional Development: Learning and applying the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and techniques that guide auditing and appraisal work.
• Field Inspection & Appraisal: Inspecting, auditing, and appraising real, business, and personal property to support fair and accurate assessments.
• Financial Analysis: Examining and analyzing fixed asset listings, balance sheets, income statements, and other accounting records to obtain valuation information for assessment purposes.
• Valuation & Cost Analysis: Applying depreciation methods and calculating replacement costs for real and business personal property.
• Travel Opportunities: Conducting audits of business records that may require occasional out-of-state travel.

CORE COMPETENCIES

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess knowledge in the following core competencies:

TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE | TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding, analyzing, and utilizing different accounting systems
• Understanding and analyzing technical data
• Preparing accurate records and submitting clear and concise reports
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, Etc.)

PROBLEM-SOLVING | ANALYTICAL SKILLS

• Applying critical thinking to assess complex situations and make informed decisions

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS | TEAMWORK

• Collaborating effectively with team members and stakeholders to achieve shared goals
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with other public agencies to facilitate coordination and information sharing
• Providing excellent customer service to property owners, taxpayers, and other stakeholders, addressing inquiries and concerns in a professional and helpful manner

COMMUNICATION SKILLS | ORAL & WRITTEN

• Writing audit narratives summarizing the audit results
• Meeting with the taxpayer representatives with courtesy and tact
• Utilizing customer service techniques to respond to taxpayers needs

License/Certification:

Possession of a valid Appraiser Certificate or ability to obtain a Temporary Appraiser Certificate issued and required by the California State Board of Equalization. A permanent Appraiser Certificate must be attained within one year of employment. Possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Please click here for details on the Appraiser Trainee classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Online Assessment (Un-proctored, Weighted 100%)

Applicants who meet qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job related assessments. Applicants will be notified of their test date and access code, if applicable. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List

Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Veterans Employment Preference

The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Omar Ghazi at [e-mail].

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.