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

State of Washington • Whatcom County – Bellingham, WA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) is hiring an Assistant State Auditor in Bellingham, Washington. The role is part of a local audit team responsible for auditing nearly 180 governments in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and Island counties, including counties, cities, ports, and school districts. Applicants may reside in any of those counties; they do not have to live in Bellingham.

The position is offered at one of three levels, determined by education, relevant experience, and demonstrated competencies. Assistant State Auditor 1 is the entry level of an in-training program, with classes, on-the-job training, and review and feedback. Assistant State Auditor 2 continues to build audit experience and may plan and conduct audits, participate in client discussions, or give presentations under guidance. Assistant State Auditor 3 is the journey level, responsible for planning and conducting risk-based financial and legal compliance audits of Washington State agencies and local governments, and may perform special investigations related to citizen concerns or fraud. Journey-level auditors also review work and mentor in-training staff.

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

The SAO’s mission is to partner with entities to increase trust in government through efficient, high-quality audits, meaningful recommendations, collaboration, strong communication, education, and mutual respect. The office emphasizes a collaborative workplace, inclusion, equity, and respect for employees’ and clients’ individual differences.

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.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication, time and project management, understanding of accounting concepts and principles as they relate to auditing, critical thinking and problem-solving, and team collaboration skills.
• Submit a completed application, complete responses to all supplemental questions, and a resume and cover letter addressing how education and experience relate to the position’s key competencies.
• Applicants qualifying with a degree awarded outside the United States 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

• Participate in accountability, financial statement, and federal grant compliance audits of local governments.
• At the Assistant State Auditor 2 level, potentially plan and conduct audits and participate in client discussions or presentations under supervisor or Audit Lead guidance.
• At the Assistant State Auditor 3 level, plan and conduct risk-based financial and legal compliance audits of Washington State agencies and local governments.
• Potentially perform special investigations concerning citizen concerns or fraud.
• At the journey level, review work and mentor in-training staff.
• Work collaboratively in teams and build effective working relationships with government entities and colleagues.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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