Innovation, Performance, & Audit - Administrative Intern

City of Ontario; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Ontario is seeking an Administrative Intern for the Innovation, Performance and Audit (IPA) department. The role supports management and technical staff on administrative, technical, and analytical projects, including data requests, analyses, and report preparation.

Ideal candidates will perform research, extract insights from multiple sources, and present clear findings. A two-year college coursework in public/business administration or accounting is required, with a California driver

Qualifications

• Inquisitive approach with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to ask thoughtful questions and explain findings clearly and objectively.
• Able to read, interpret, and apply professional guidance, including standards and resources published by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to gather information from multiple sources, identify key risks and insights, and organize findings clearly.
• Organized and self-directed, with the ability to document information accurately, manage multiple assignments, and follow through on details.

Responsibilities

• Assists members of management, professional and technical staff by performing a variety of administrative, technical, and analytical projects and assignments.
• Assists with audit activities, including requesting and collecting records, analyzing data, performing data testing, documenting work performed, and supporting fieldwork.
• Conducts research, analyzes data and develops reports to summarize and communicate findings.
• Collects, compiles, analyzes, interprets, and presents data and findings.
• Assists with preparing visual and written content for formal documents (e.g., audit reports, memoranda, policies, etc.).
• Responds to requests for information and general questions from City staff and the public.

Skills

Attention to detail

Creative problem solving

Communication skills

Interpreting guidance (IIA)

Research and analytics

Organization & self-direction

Education

Two years college (Public/Business Admin)

Job description

The Ideal Candidate

• Inquisitive approach with strong attention to detail.


• Demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions to complex challenges.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to ask thoughtful questions and explain findings clearly and objectively.


• Able to read, interpret, and apply professional guidance, including standards and resources published by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).


• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to gather information from multiple sources, identify key risks and insights, and organize findings clearly.


• Organized and self-directed, with the ability to document information accurately, manage multiple assignments, and follow through on details.

Additionally, the successful candidate will embody the Department's mission and vision as well as the qualities of a \"Five Tool Player\" - Leader, Thinker, Communicator, Operator and Public Servant - and the principles of the City's Customer Service Philosophy – Empathy, Respect, and Problem Solving.

The following procedures will apply:

• The Eligibility List will consist of both internal and external applicants who meet the qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes.


• The hiring department has the discretion to consider internal applicants on the Eligibility List prior to considering external candidates on the Eligibility List.


• The City of Ontario reserves the right, if necessary, to accept only the first one hundred (100) applications from applicants that meet the qualification guidelines below.


• Completed applications will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Innovation, Performance Management and Audit (IPA)

IPA's mission is to optimize City operations for the future through comprehensive research, data analysis, audits, and a commitment to continuous performance improvement. IPA enhances City operations to exceptional levels of efficiency and effectiveness, while maintaining integrity and transparency through invaluable internal audit practices. Our commitment to excellence in audit and performance drives growth, setting a benchmark for innovation and success that inspires neighboring communities. IPA provides insights and oversight of operations using ongoing audits, Agency Strategic Objectives (ASO’s), Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and Quarterly Performance Scorecards (QPS). These tools are designed to increase transparency and visibility in work products, create new opportunities for data mining, and allow for data driven decision-making and organizational alignment.

The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario enjoys the reputation of being a progressive City which provides solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City’s team is staffed with approximately 1,517 full-time equivalent diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.

The City’s vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the years to come. We welcome you to view the City of Ontario’s 2026 State of the City video by clicking on the link below as well as the other links to learn more about the City: State of the City The Ontario Plan Smart Ontario Downtown Ontario

The essential functions typically performed by the by the Administrative Intern assigned to the Innovation, Performance and Audit department include the following:

• Assists members of management, professional and technical staff by performing a variety of administrative, technical, and analytical projects and assignments.


• Assists with audit activities, including requesting and collecting records, analyzing data, performing data testing, documenting work performed, and supporting fieldwork.


• Conducts research, analyzes data and develops reports to summarize and communicate findings.


• Collects, compiles, analyzes, interprets, and presents data and findings.


• Assists with preparing visual and written content for formal documents (e.g., audit reports, memoranda, policies, etc.).


• Responds to requests for information and general questions from City staff and the public.


• Handles confidential, sensitive, and privileged information with discretion and in accordance with applicable policies and professional standards.


• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

Equivalent to completion of two years of college with major course work in Public or Business Administration, Accounting, or a closely related field.

Licenses

Valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Desirable

Understanding of data management, data streaming, data science, big data and trend analysis, and auditing are highly desirable.