INTERNAL AUDITOR

City-of-West-Have; West Haven (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of West Haven seeks an Internal Auditor in the Finance Department to provide independent assurance, improve operations, protect public funds, and ensure accountability through audits, risk management, and policy updates.

Ideal candidates will have municipal accounting experience, strong knowledge of GAAP/GAAS/GAS, and proficiency with MUNIS, enabling them to design audit plans, review invoices and payroll, and support external audits while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field plus three years of accounting or auditing experience.
• Experience in municipal environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP/GAAS/GAS.

Responsibilities

• Constructs and executes an Annual Audit Plan based on risk assessment.
• Reports results to Mayor and Finance Director in a timely, professional manner.
• Performs weekly audits of invoices and payroll changes to assure proper controls.
• Reviews vendor records and system activities for accuracy and compliance with City policies.
• Drafts, updates, and maintains City financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Assists with external audit preparation and liaises with actuaries for required estimates.
• Manages documentation and submits claims for unclaimed property.
• Coordinates filing of annual 1099s.

Skills

Municipal accounting

GAAP/GAAS/GAS

Analytical abilities

Written and verbal communication

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

Tools

MUNIS

Spreadsheet software

Job description

INTERNAL AUDITOR

TITLE: Internal Auditor DEPARTMENT: Finance

GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Internal Auditor’s primary objective is to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to improve operations, protect public funds, and ensure accountability. Responsibilities include Operational and Performance Audits, Compliance Review, Risk Management, and Fraud Prevention. The auditor will suggest enhancements to policies and internal controls and is responsible for updating financial policies and procedures. This work is highly responsible, extremely confidential and requires much discretion. The position requires considerable knowledge, skill, and ability in municipal accounting, budgeting practices, and electronic data processing systems, as well as maintaining strict confidentiality.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direction of the Finance Director and the Mayor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Constructs and executes an Annual Audit Plan based on an assessment of identified financial, fraud, IT, cyber, operational, and regulatory compliance risk.
• Reports on results in a timely and professional matter to the Mayor and Finance Director.
• Performs weekly audits of invoices presented to Finance for payment.
• Performs weekly audits of payroll and changes to employee data to ensure proper controls have been applied.
• Reviews MUNIS vendor records and system activities for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with City policies.
• Drafts, updates, and maintains City financial policies, procedures, and internal control documentation.
• Assists with annual external audit preparation, including gathering supporting documentation and responding to auditor requests as well as interfacing with actuaries to ensure required estimates are performed timely.
• Manages documentation and submits claims to the State of Connecticut for unclaimed property.
• Coordinates filing of annual 1099’s
• Maintains strict confidentiality in handling sensitive financial, personnel, and audit-related information.
• Performs special projects and operational initiatives as assigned while maintaining independence from financial recording.
• Make responsible and complex municipal accounting decisions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and strong internal controls.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of municipal accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, and Governmental Accounting Standards, (GAAP, GAAS, and GAS)
• Proficiency with electronic data processing systems, including MUNIS and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to develop, revise, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Strong analytical abilities, especially in reconciliation, audit review, and expenditure monitoring.
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks, interruptions, and changing priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, departments, and outside agencies while maintaining independence.
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.

QUALIFICATIONS

bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus three years of progressively responsible accounting or auditing experience, preferably in a municipal environment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

None.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, calculator, financial software systems (including MUNIS), and standard office equipment.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

THE CITY OF WEST HAVEN IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER