Local Government Auditor - LGA

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Moorhead (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

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

As a Local Government Auditor, you will assist in audits by documenting internal controls, performing tests, analyzing transactions, and developing findings; interviews will be held in Moorhead with start dates around November 16, 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with at least 24 semester hours of accounting at the intermediate or advanced level.
• Master’s degree in Accountancy or Finance with at least 24 semester hours of accounting at the intermediate or advanced level.
• CPA exam completed (preferred).
• GPA 3.0 or higher in accounting courses and overall.
• Auditing or audit internship experience.
• MS Office experience.
• Strong written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Document, test, and evaluate internal controls.
• Perform legal compliance testing.
• Perform federal grant and compliance testing.
• Analyze transactions and financial activities.
• Test accuracy and determine data reliability.
• Document audit evidence in work papers.
• Develop findings.

Skills

Strong written communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (with at least 24 semester hours of accounting at the intermediate or advanced level)

Master’s degree in Accountancy or Finance (with at least 24 semester hours of accounting at the intermediate or advanced level)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/04/2026
• Closing Date: 09/24/2026
• 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: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Job Class Option: No Option
• 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

Working Title: Local Government Auditor

Job Class: Local Government Auditor

Agency: State Auditor

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

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.

As a team member of the Audit Practice Division, this entry-level auditor position assists in the audits of Minnesota local governments by performing procedures necessary to determine the reliability of clients’ financial statements and compliance with legal and federal requirements.

Duties Require The Local Government Auditor To

• Document, test, and evaluate internal controls;
• Perform legal compliance testing;
• Perform federal grant and compliance testing;
• Analyze transactions and financial activities;
• Test accuracy and determine data reliability;
• Document audit evidence in work papers; and
• Develop findings.

Interviews will be held in person in Moorhead.

Start dates of approximately November 16, 2026.

After an initial training period in the Moorhead Office, the Local Government Auditor is expected to report to the Moorhead Office or an assigned client location a minimum of one day per week.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (with at least 24 semester hours of accounting at the intermediate or advanced level), or
• a master’s degree in Accountancy or Finance (with at least 24 semester hours of accounting at the intermediate or advanced level)

Preferred Qualifications

• Has successfully completed some or all parts of the CPA exam;
• Has a GPA of 3.0 or higher in accounting courses and overall;
• Has auditing or audit internship experience;
• Has MS Office experience; and
• Has 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 the 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.

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

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)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• 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.