Lead Internal Auditor - AO

City and County of Denver; United States; Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

City and County of Denver’s Auditor's Office seeks a Lead Internal Auditor to direct day‑to‑day performance and compliance audits of city programs and contracts. Projects typically run 5–10 months, with hybrid in‑office and remote work from Downtown Denver.

A Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance and 3+ years as a Senior Auditor are required, with certifications such as CIA/CPA/CGAP/CRMA encouraged. The role emphasizes strong coaching, project management, and clear written communications to explain

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field.
• Three (3) years of professional level experience, including one year as a Senior Internal Auditor.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS).

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct performance and compliance audits and evaluations of City and County departments, programs, and contracts.
• Assist Audit Manager with planning, fieldwork, report writing, and presenting results.
• Assist with review of workpapers and day-to-day audit activities.
• Ensure audit work complies with GAGAS and division policies and procedures.
• Produce high-quality written products explaining complex issues to various audiences.
• Perform audit follow-up work for assigned audits.
• Contribute to development of audit team goals and provide performance feedback.

Skills

Leading government audits

GAGAS knowledge

Project management

Coaching staff

Verbal & written communication

Diversity teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

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: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Public Policy, Government Analytics, Business Administration, or related field. Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of professional level experience, including one year as a Senior Internal Auditor, auditing and evaluating business practices and processes to ensure compliance and efficiency. Education/Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for experience requirements.

About Everything Else

Job Profile CV2240 Internal Auditor Lead To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period.

Position Type Unlimited Position Salary Range $86,634.00 - $142,947.00 Target Pay The likely hiring range for this position is between $95,000.00 and $ 104,000.00, depending upon experience and education.

Agency Auditor's Office Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies City and County of Denver employees may be re‑deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real‑time captioning via CART, or disability‑related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact [e-mail] with three business days’ notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. For information about right to work, for English or for Spanish.

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. See yourself experiencing growth and balance. See yourself being respected and valued. See yourself belonging here. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver. Your journey starts right here.