Lead Internal Auditor - AO

denver; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Denver Auditor's Office seeks a Lead Internal Auditor to oversee day-to-day performance and compliance audits of local government functions. Projects typically run 5–10 months, involving planning, fieldwork, and reporting.

Auditors work a hybrid schedule at Downtown Denver; Colorado residency preferred. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, 3–5 years as a Senior Auditor, and professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, CGAP or CRMA.

Qualifications

• Experience leading government performance, compliance and/or contract audits.
• 3–5 years professional work experience as a Senior Auditor.
• Working knowledge of GAGAS.
• Effective coaching and project management with staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day performance and compliance audits and evaluations.
• Assist with planning, fieldwork, report writing, and presenting results.
• Review workpapers of team members and ensure adherence to policies.
• Ensure audit work complies with GAGAS and internal procedures.
• Produce high-quality written analyses for diverse audiences.
• Conduct audit follow-up and contribute to team performance goals.

Skills

Leadership

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Professional certification (CIA/CPA/CGAP/CRMA)

Job description

About Our Job

The Auditor's Office is an independent agency of the City and County of Denver. We deliver independent, transparent, and professional oversight to safeguard the public's investments in the City and County of Denver. The Auditor has authority under the Denver Charter to audit Denver's agencies in accordance with generally accepted governmental auditing standards (GAGAS). Our in-depth audit reports are issued each month to the public through Denver's independent Audit Committee. These reports look at how efficient and effective the city's services and programs are for the people of Denver and provide recommendations for improvement. Our work is performed on behalf of everyone who cares about the city, including its residents, workers, and decision-makers. We provide a dynamic and collaborative work environment, excellent benefits, and professional development and continuing education opportunities for our employees.

The City and County of Denver's Auditor's Office is seeking a Lead Internal Auditor .

Under the general direction of the assigned Audit Manager, the Lead Internal Auditor leads day-to-day team execution of performance and/or compliance audits and evaluations of local government functions and activities. Audit projects are generally 5-10 months long depending on complexity and scope. The Lead Internal Auditor assists the Audit Manager with work prioritization, assignments, evaluation and quality control over Senior Auditors, Associate Auditors, and Audit Interns. The position may also conduct various administrative assignments.

Auditor's Office employees are currently working a hybrid schedule. This position requires a combination of in-office attendance at our Downtown Denver location and remote work. Employees must reside in the state of Colorado, preferably within driving distance of the Denver Metropolitan area.

We provide a computer with all work-related software applications; you must have a stable home internet connection for any remote work.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies and will remain open to receive applications until November 1, 2026.

Specific job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading and conducting performance and compliance audits and other analyses of City and County departments, programs, and contracts, that include but are not limited to effectiveness, efficiency, performance of services, public policy assessment, governance, internal control, and compliance objectives as defined by Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) promulgated by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
• Assisting the Audit Manager and other team members with all aspects of audits including project planning, fieldwork, report writing, and presentation of results.
• Assisting with the review of workpapers of other team members.
• Assisting the Audit Manager with day-to-day activities of each audit engagement and ensuring that project team members are conducting assigned audit work.
• Identifying and utilizing optimal performance audit and research methodologies in the execution of performance audits.
• Ensuring that audit work complies with GAGAS and the Audit Service Division's operating policies and procedures.
• Producing high-quality written products that analyze, synthesize, and explain complex issues to a variety of audiences, such as agency stakeholders and citizens of Denver.
• Performing audit-related presentations and briefings.
• Performing audit follow-up work for assigned audits.
• Contributes to the development of audit team performance goals, documents team performance, provides performance feedback, and provides information for the annual formal performance evaluation of audit team members.
• Takes appropriate action in response to management feedback.

This position is included in the collective bargaining unit.

About You

The preferred candidate will surpass our minimum requirements by possessing the following:

• Experience leading government performance, compliance and/or contract audits.
• Three to five years professional work experience as a Senior Auditor.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards.
• An advanced degree.
• An applicable professional certification, such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CGAP (Certified Government Auditing Professional), CRMA (Certification in Risk Management Assurance), or similar.
• Effective coaching and project management skills with a demonstrated ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Possesses strong verbal and written skills.
• Experience working in diverse teams.
• Displays the ability to apply critical thinking and communication skills to resolve complex audit topics.

We realize your time is valuable, so please do not apply if you do not have at least the following required minimum qualifications:

• Education requirement: B