Local Government Audit Senior

Minnesota Office of the State Auditor; Moorhead (MN); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Office of the State Auditor is seeking a Senior Local Government Auditor in Moorhead to lead audits of local governments and ensure reliable financial statements and regulatory compliance. The LGA Senior will plan audits, supervise complex sections, and coach junior staff.

Interviews will be held in person in St. Paul or Moorhead. Start date around October 21, 2026, with regular weekly reporting to the Moorhead office after training. Travel up to 25% of the time is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or Master’s with accounting concentration.
• Minimum two years of progressively responsible audit experience.
• Experience planning audits and preparing audit reports and single audits.
• Knowledge of GAAP/GASB for local governments; GAAS/GAGAS requirements.
• Knowledge of federal awards audits (Uniform Guidance; OMB).

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and completion of individual audits.
• Self-direct complex audit sections and financial reporting.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and coaching to less experienced auditors.

Skills

Audit planning

Mentoring juniors

GAAP knowledge

GAAS/GAGAS knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting (or Master’s with accounting concentration)

Tools

Checkpoint

PPC

Job description

• Location: Moorhead
• Telework Eligible: Yes

• Job ID: 97166
• Location: Moorhead
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/22/2026
• Closing Date: 10/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: State Auditor / State Auditor-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Payroll Processing Unit / Audit Practice
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday or Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) Audit Practice Division performs independent, external financial and compliance audits of local governments.

This Senior level auditor position is responsible for assisting in the audits of local governments by ensuring that appropriate procedures are performed that are necessary to determine the reliability of clients’ financial statements and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Local Government Auditor (LGA) Senior has primary responsibility for:

• Playing a lead role in the planning and completion of individual audits;
• Self-directing completion of complex audit sections and financial reporting;
• Providing day-to-day guidance and coaching to less experienced professional auditors.

Interviews will be held in person in St. Paul or in the Moorhead area.

Start date of approximately October 21, 2026, or after.

After an initial training period in the Moorhead office, the LGA Senior is expected to report to the OSA's Moorhead office or an assigned client location a minimum of one day per week.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, or master’s degree with an accounting concentration, from an accredited institution;
• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience reviewing audit documentation and providing guidance to other professional audit staff performing governmental financial and compliance audits;
• A minimum of two (2) years experience planning an audit; ensuring audit documentation is sufficient and appropriate; and preparing audit reports, financial statement disclosures, management letters and single audits in accordance with applicable standards;
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP/GASB Statements) for local governments;
• Knowledge of professional audit requirements (GAAS/GAGAS) for audits of local governments;
• Knowledge of audit requirements for federal awards (including Uniform Guidance and OMB Compliance Supplement);

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge in the application of audit tools such as or similar to Checkpoint and PPC;
• Knowledge of Minnesota laws, court decisions, and attorney general opinions relating to local governmental agencies;
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with active licensure;
• Considerable knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP/GASB Statements) for local governments;
• Considerable knowledge of professional audit requirements (GAAS/GAGAS) for audits of local governments;
• Considerable knowledge of audit requirements for federal awards (including Uniform Guidance and OMB Compliance);
• Experience testing in accordance with the Minnesota Legal Compliance Audit Guides;
• Strong written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Requires occasional transport of less than 10 pounds, along with the ability to move through work space and maintain a stationary position throughout the work day.

Additional Requirements

• Job offer is contingent upon candidate passing a job-related background check that may include the following: reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check and driver’s history check prior to appointment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

About State Auditor

The Office of the State Auditor serves Minnesotans by protecting local decisions close to home. The OSA provides support and analysis to local entities so they can make decisions for their communities based on facts. At the OSA we pride ourselves on our supportive work environment for our staff.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.