California State Auditor

Careerwebsite; Sacramento, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

California State Auditor's Office seeks a qualified leader to serve as the California State Auditor. The role requires combining education and experience in auditing and management to oversee statewide audits and programs with nonpartisan, accurate assessments.

The candidate will lead staff, present findings to legislators, administer whistleblower protections, and supervise high-risk audit initiatives, ensuring independence from legislative and executive branches.

Qualifications

• Combination of education and experience in auditing and management.
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the staff of the State Auditor’s Office in fulfilling its mission.
• Conduct financial, performance and compliance audits of state and local operations.
• Present audit results to legislators and staff and at hearings.
• Prepare annual financial statements reports.
• Oversee the whistleblower protection program.
• Manage high-risk audit programs.

Skills

Leadership

Integrity

Communication

Strategic thinking

Job description

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee is searching for qualified candidates to be the California State Auditor. Qualified candidates are invited to apply and, as provided in Government Code Section 8543.2(a), others are invited to nominate qualified candidates to be the State Auditor. Every four years, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee provides the names of three qualified candidates to the Governor; the Governor then appoints one of the three candidates to be the State Auditor.

With a staff of approximately 200 dedicated, talented professionals, the California State Auditor’s Office promotes the efficient and effective management of public funds and programs by performing California’s statewide single audit, audits mandated by various statutes, and audits requested by the Legislature through the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. The California State Auditor’s Office is responsible for providing nonpartisan, accurate, balanced and timely assessments of California government's financial and operational activities in compliance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Although the State Auditor reports to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, state law and auditing standards require the State Auditor to conduct audits independent of the legislative and executive branches of government.

Job Description and Duties

Qualified candidates must have a combination of education and experience in auditing, management, and leadership necessary to perform the duties of the office.

Examples of Duties

• Lead and inspire the employees of the California State Auditor’s Office in fulfilling its mission.
• Conduct financial, performance and compliance audits of state and local government operations, as provided by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and statute.
• Present results of audits to legislators and legislative staff, and at legislative hearings.
• Report annually on California’s financial statements.
• Administer the California Whistleblower Protection Act.
• Administer the state and local government high-risk audit programs.

Minimum Requirements

As provided in Government Code, Section 8543.3, the California State Auditor shall possess a combination of education and experience in auditing and management necessary to perform the duties of that office.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education and experience, the following qualifications may be considered for each candidate:

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of government auditing standards, the California Whistleblower Protection Act, and laws related to California public employment.
• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California state government.
• Ability to work effectively with legislators, legislative staff, public officials, and staff of other state and public entities.
• Experience leading and performing performance, financial, or compliance audits.
• Ability to provide the results of audits, verbally and in writing, in a fair and balanced manner.
• Familiarity with the State Auditor’s responsibilities related to implementing the application and selection process for the California Citizen Redistricting Commission.

Personal Characteristics

• Proven leadership skills.
• High degree of integrity.
• Objective, impartial and sound judgment.
• Strong communication skills.
• High degree of confidentiality for sensitive issues.
• Ability to think strategically.