Principal Auditor

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Pension plan

Transit program/ORCA pass

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

King County seeks a Principal Internal Auditor to lead the formation of an internal audit function, align with IIA/GAO standards, and guide risk assessment and audit planning. You will report to the Internal Audit Director, develop quality controls, and oversee audit work across departments.

The role requires collaboration with county leadership, strong communication, and the ability to work in a hybrid environment at King County’s Seattle area offices.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge of audit standards (IIA GIA/GAO GAGAS) and governance/background in risk assessment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree and CIA/other certifications are desirable.
• Strong communication, analytical, and cross‑team collaboration skills; ability to translate observations into actionable findings.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and execute risk-based performance, compliance, and financial audits.
• Develop clear audit reports and present findings to leadership.
• Help refine audit policies, templates, and the quality control system.
• Support risk assessment and annual audit plan development.
• Oversee audits conducted by staff or consultants; maintain independence.

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration

Master’s degree in business/public administration

CIA certification

Job description

King County is launching an ambitious effort to establish an internal audit function to drive greater accountability, transparency, and organizational effectiveness across the County Executive Branch in alignment with Executive Zahilay’s Executive Order to strengthen governance and fiscal oversight. To support this work, we are seeking an experienced Principal Internal Auditor.

The Principal Internal Auditor will help to build the audit function in partnership with the Internal Audit Director, developing processes in alignment with internal audit standards, assisting with the annual internal audit risk assessment and audit plan, and leading and conducting internal audits. The Senior Internal Auditor will also support the development and management of the internal audit function’s quality control system.

Job Duties

• Plan, lead, and execute risk-based performance, compliance, and financial audits and advisory services in alignment with the Institute for Internal Auditors Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Develop clear, concise, and well-supported audit and advisory service reports
• Present on audit and advisory service findings and recommendations to department and executive office leadership
• Partner with the Internal Audit Director to develop and refine the internal audit function, including by developing audit policies, procedures, templates, and other elements of the audit quality control system
• Partner with the Internal Audit Director in the development of the annual internal audit risk assessment and audit plan
• Partner with the Internal Audit Director to support the administration of the quality assurance and improvement program by conducting ongoing internal monitoring, periodic audit function self-assessments, and preparation and coordination for external quality assessments
• Track and validate the implementation of audit recommendations
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with county staff and leadership while maintaining objectivity and independence
• Oversee audits conducted by additional audit staff or consultants as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Values (ACTIVATE)

Accountable

Collaborative

Timely

Impactful

Value Employees

Accessible

Trusted

Equitable

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a collaborative, analytical auditor who can evaluate complex governance, risk management, and control challenges, navigate sensitive organizational dynamics, prioritize risks, and execute audits and function development efforts independently.

A strong candidate will have at minimum the following qualifications:

• Working knowledge of audit standards, including the Institute for Internal Auditors Global Internal Audit Standards or Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards
• A bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field
• At least five years of experience in government or internal auditing with progressively increasing levels of responsibility
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, report, and present on performance, compliance, and financial standards aligned audits
• Exceptional communication skills including the ability to synthesize and communicate complex information clearly, both in writing and verbally, to a wide range of stakeholders, from staff to executive leadership; must be able to prepare original written and verbal communication without the use of AI tools
• Demonstrated ability to work across teams, manage competing priorities, and translate audit observations into clear findings and recommendations that reduce organizational risk

Other Desirable Qualifications Include

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification
• A master’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field
• Additional applicable certifications (Certified Information System Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Government Auditing Professional, Certified Public Accountant)
• Advanced knowledge of the Internal Auditors Global Internal Audit Standards or Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards
• Advanced knowledge of governmental financial management principles
• Experience conducting audits of common local government functions, such as payroll, procurement, contract and grant management, and IT policies and systems
• Strong skills in data analysis, performance measurement, and process improvement, including experience aggregating data for, and conducting analyses of, complex datasets
• Experience developing policies, procedures, templates, and other structures needed to support alignment with audit standards.
• Experience helping to establish or substantially mature the structures of an audit function
• Experience contributing to an audit quality assurance and improvement program, either as part of ongoing internal monitoring or through an external peer review
• Deep knowledge of the organization and functioning of King County government
• Experience navigating large, complex organizations, including political environments
• Experience overseeing staff

Supplemental Information

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new audit function and support greater accountability and effectiveness in how King County delivers for its residents. The Principal Internal Auditor will help the King County Executive Branch to build foundational better governance and financial stewardship practices that will allow it to improve how the government serves its residents and maintains public trust.

The King County Executive Office serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with integrity, transparency, and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and frugal stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve.

We will work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust.

WORK SCHEDULE

This team currently works in a hybrid model that includes three to four days in the office with remaining work remotely. The ratio of remote to onsite work is dependent on business needs and is subject to change.

Typical schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with some evening, night, and weekend work as necessary. This position is exempt from the provisions of the FLSA and is not eligible for overtime. The position’s primary work location will be at the King County Chinook Building, 401 Fifth Avenue Seattle. County employees must reside in Washington and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Salary

Salary range for this position is $146,331.12 - $185, 482.96; with an anticipated hiring range of $146, 331.12 - $168,695.00.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs