Assistant State Auditor 1, 2, or 3 (Tacoma)

State of Washington • Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Auditor’s Office is hiring an Assistant State Auditor at level 1, 2, or 3 for Team Tacoma in Tacoma, Washington. Team Tacoma conducts accountability, financial statement, and federal grant compliance audits for approximately 70 local governments in Pierce County, including the county, cities, school districts, fire districts, and ports. The team works to ensure these governments safeguard public funds and comply with state and federal laws and their own policies.

The role is part of an in-training and journey-level series. Level 1 is designed for staff with little audit experience and includes classes, on-the-job training, and work-product review. Level 2 builds on prior audit or comparable experience and may include planning and conducting audits, client discussions, and presentations under supervision. Level 3 auditors plan and conduct risk-based financial and legal compliance audits of state agencies and local governments, may conduct special investigations concerning citizen concerns or fraud, and review and mentor the work of in-training staff.

Most work is completed in the field at governmental entities, with employees working in teams. New employees should expect to work onsite at the Tacoma office regularly during initial onboarding and training; telework opportunities are limited until employees progress further in their careers. The agency offers flexible schedules and a hybrid work environment, with ongoing training and support for professional and educational goals.

Requirements

• Assistant State Auditor 1: Bachelor’s degree with at least three college-level accounting courses; or four years of business or relevant experience, including at least one year in accounting or auditing; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Assistant State Auditor 2: Bachelor’s degree with at least three college-level accounting courses and one year of relevant experience; or five years of business or relevant experience, including at least two years in accounting or auditing; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Assistant State Auditor 3: Bachelor’s degree, at least three college-level accounting classes, and two years of relevant experience; or six years of relevant experience, including at least three years in accounting or auditing; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Relevant experience is defined as experience in accounting, auditing, finance, banking, or financial investigations.
• Required competencies include written and verbal communication, time and project management, understanding accounting concepts and principles as they relate to auditing, critical thinking and problem-solving, and the ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with a team.
• Applicants must submit a completed application, complete responses to all supplemental questions, and a resume and cover letter addressing how their education and experience relate to the key competencies.
• Candidates using a degree awarded outside the United States to qualify must include a credential evaluation report.

Nice To Haves

• Government audit experience is preferred for Assistant State Auditor 2 and Assistant State Auditor 3.

Responsibilities

• Conduct accountability, financial statement, and federal grant compliance audits of local governments in Pierce County.
• Help ensure audited governments safeguard public funds and follow state and federal laws and their own policies.
• At level 2, potentially plan and conduct audits and participate in client discussions or presentations under the guidance of a supervisor or Audit Lead.
• At level 3, plan and conduct risk-based financial and legal compliance audits of Washington State agencies and local governments.
• At level 3, potentially perform special investigations related to citizen concerns or fraud.
• At level 3, review work and mentor staff at in-training levels.
• Work collaboratively in audit teams and contribute to a professional, respectful, constructive, and collaborative team environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• More than 80 hours of training each biennium
• Educational and professional certification reimbursements
• Flexible schedules and a hybrid work environment
• Growth and development opportunities
• Agency-wide commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level