Local Government Auditor Staff Specialist

Minnesota Office of the State Auditor; Duluth (MN); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Health insurance

Job summary

The Minnesota Office of the State Auditor's Audit Practice Division conducts external financial and compliance audits of local governments in Duluth. The Local Government Auditor Staff Specialist helps ensure reliability of financial statements and regulatory compliance for clients.

The role includes planning and reporting for external audits, handling complex audit areas, and guiding junior staff. Interviews may be held in St. Paul or Duluth area; start date around November 16, 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or master's with accounting concentration.
• 2+ years lead worker/supervisory audit experience.
• 2+ years planning and performing audits of federal programs.
• 2+ years preparing audit reports and disclosures.
• Knowledge of GAAP/GASB and GAAS/GAGAS for local governments.
• Knowledge of federal award audits (Uniform Guidance).

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and reporting for external audits of large local governments.
• Independently complete complex audit areas incl. federal programs.
• Coach and direct less experienced auditors and review work.

Skills

Leadership experience

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Master's degree with accounting concentration

CPA license

Tools

Checkpoint / PPC

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Local Government Auditor Staff Specialist

Job Class: Local Government Auditor Staff Specialist

Agency: State Auditor

• Job ID: 97270


• Location: Duluth


• Telework Eligible: Yes


• Full/Part Time: Full-Time


• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited


• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers


• Date Posted: 9/28/2026


• Closing Date: 10/19/2026


• 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: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / 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

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.

This 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 Staff Specialist has primary responsibility for:

• Leading in the planning and reporting (including financial statements, note disclosures, and management letters) for external audits of large, complex, and/or specialized local governments in accordance with professional standards;


• Independently and efficiently completing audit areas that are difficult or complex in nature, including audits of federal programs; and


• Directing less experienced auditors by providing guidance and coaching, as well as assigning audit areas to staff and the subsequent review of audit documentation.

Interviews may be held in person in St. Paul or Duluth area.

Start date of approximately November 16, 2026, or after.

After an initial training period in the office, the LGA Staff Specialist is expected to report to the OSA's Duluth office or an assigned client location a minimum of one day per week. Additional days in office may be required during the training periods of future new hires in the auditing division.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered, a candidate must have and Identify the number of years of experience listed in minimum qualifications and the specifics regarding your qualifications in your application materials.

• 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 lead worker and/or supervisory experience guiding professional audit staff, including reviewing audit documentation of other professional audit staff performing external financial and compliance audits of local governments;


• A minimum of two (2) years of experience planning and performing audits of federal programs in accordance with Uniform Guidance;


• A minimum of two (2) years of experience preparing audit reports, financial statement disclosures, and management letters 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; and


• 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 an active licensure;


• Two years of experience in external audits of large, complex, and /or specialized local governments;


• Considerable knowledge of GAAP/GASB Standards, GAAS, GAGAS, OMB Compliance Supplement, Uniform Guidance, and Legal Compliance Audit Guides relating to local governmental agencies; and


• 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).

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cassandra Calamese at [e-mail] or 651-296-7003.

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


• Tuition reimbursement


• 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.