City Auditor (Executive Manager- Audit)

Full Job Description

The Office of City Auditor (OCA) is a small, effective team charged with the important responsibility of conducting performance audits on City of Seattle programs.

Our audits focus on program equity, effectiveness, efficiency, compliance, and economy.

Housed within the legislative branch of government, OCA's primary requestor for its audits is the Seattle City Council.

The OCA team is recruiting to fill the position of City Auditor (Executive Manager-Audit).

This is an exciting opportunity for a professional auditor with Executive Leadership experience to join an award-winning nationally recognized audit office.

In this role, you will lead complex performance audits, drive accountability, and strengthen government transparency. The City Auditor will report to the City Council.

Seattle operates under a Mayor-Council form of government.

As the department head of the Office of the City Auditor, the selected candidate will oversee performance audits and investigative functions; ensure independences and integrity of audit processes; communicate findings to elected officials and the public; advance equity-focused auditing practices; and provide strategic leadership for nine (9) professional employees.

Candidates would be successful in role if they are:

• Experienced in governmental auditing and oversight
• Skilled at leading high-performing, professional teams
• Adept at communicating complex findings to diverse stakeholders
• Experienced with performance auditing in a large municipal organization
• A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), CPA, or have similar credentials
• Master’s degree in a related field

Requirements

Reporting to the City Council, the City Auditor will:

• Lead and manage the City Auditor’s Office
• Oversee performance audits and investigative functions
• Ensure independence and integrity of audit processes
• Communicate findings to elected officials and the public
• Advance equity-focused auditing practices

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in governmental auditing, performance evaluation, or public administration. They will bring a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and equity in public service.

This leader will demonstrate exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex audit findings clearly to elected officials, stakeholders, and the public.

They will be a collaborative yet independent thinker, capable of building trust while maintaining objectivity.

Technically, the candidate will have deep knowledge of audit standards, data analysis, and organizational performance improvement. They will also have proven experience leading professional staff and managing complex projects in a public sector environment.

Please review the following recruitment brochure for additional details: https://www.governmentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Seattle-WA-City-Auditor-Brochure.pdf.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, Public Administration, or a closely related field

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible auditing or related experience

• At least five (5) years of executive or senior-level management experience within a government auditing or oversight environment, or an equivalent combination of education and leadership experience demonstrating executive capability in a complex political setting

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in a related field

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), CPA, or similar credential

• Experience with performance auditing in a large municipal organization

Additional Information

The full salary range for this classification title is $118,180.80 - $320,925.60 annually, based on 2088 hours ($56.60 - $153.70 per hour).

The selected candidate may be offered a starting annual salary rate of $210,000 - $225,000, based on 2,088 hours ($100.57 - $107.75 per hour), depending on experience and qualifications.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Recruitment Brochure: https://www.governmentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Seattle-WA-City-Auditor-Brochure.pdf.

Application Process
All interested parties should apply immediately by submitting an online application at: https://www.governmentresource.com/recruitment/seattle-wa-city-auditor/. The City may close the recruitment at any time once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates has been established.

For confidential inquiries or questions about the recruitment process, please contact Kevin Knutson, Senior Vice President at Strategic Government Resources, at kevinknutson@governmentresource.com or at 727-754-0407.