The City Auditor for Colorado Springs will oversee the city's audit operations, including those for Colorado Springs Utilities, the Airport, and other enterprises. This at-will position involves managing the Office of the City Auditor, ensuring independence with limited oversight from the City Council President. Responsibilities include directing staff, setting organizational goals, overseeing services and audits, evaluating audit procedures and efficiencies, representing the City Auditor’s Office, and managing the department's budget. The City Auditor will also administer a Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline, represent the Office to various stakeholders, and stay current with audit standards and regulations. Additionally, the role includes staff training, performance evaluations, and participation in professional development activities; will also perform related duties and responsibilities as required. 
 

The City of Colorado Springs: 

Colorado Springs, with an estimated population of 506,646 occupies 195 square miles at the base of majestic Pikes Peak – America's Mountain and enjoys nearly 243 days of sunshine per year.  Colorado Springs is the state's largest city in terms of area and second to Denver in population. There are currently 375 miles of trails and over 150 parks within the city. The City’s Organizational Value are:

• Transparent Government
• Proactive Government
• Approachable Government

The "Springs" is home to five military establishments, including the Air Force Academy, many colleges, and universities, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Headquarters and Museum, and over 50 different sports organizations. Colorado Springs is a thriving city and a leader in the aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity industries. It also has a diverse collection of non-profit organizations and businesses with a large number of tourist attractions. The city has a thriving downtown, a growing diversity, distinct and unique neighborhoods, and is experiencing an exciting evolution in its urban form and character. Recently, Colorado Springs has been named as the 3rd Best Place to Live by the U.S. News and World Report Rankings. The City of Colorado Springs, which is among the community's largest employers, is organized as a home rule Council-Mayor form of municipal government with a popularly elected Mayor and nine council members.

As the City Auditor, you will perform the following duties as outlined in the City Code: 

• Maintain independence; ensure public accountability; perform post-audits with access to books and records; and examine books and records
• Determine the effectiveness and efficiency of programs
• Cooperate with City administration to include enterprise administration along with City Council
• Make periodic reports to City Council; administer oaths; and seek equitable relief for the City in cooperation with the City Attorney
• Review all Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) rate changes; ensure accurate calculations and consistency as specified in tariffs; provide assurance to the CSU Board concerning certain Board instructions used to govern CSU
• Hire, manage, and coordinate work plan for staff; evaluate personnel; counsel employees to correct deficiencies; review disciplinary situations
• Prepare an annual risk assessment which becomes the basis for the annual audit plan; interview all City department heads, CSU officers and general managers
• City Council has codified certain audits to be performed by the City Auditor such as the biennial audit of Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) funds
• Meet with all Council Members, the Mayor, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CSU, Airport executives, and other leaders to identify potential audit projects; rate potential audit for risk and rating to identify the highest likelihood to add value to each entity; incorporate into the proposed audit plan for the following year
• Present the proposed audit plan to the Audit Committee and subsequently, City Council for approval; use the approved audit plan as the basis for following year's budget request
• Lead the office and select the audit standards used to ensure quality in the audits performed; review and implement policies and procedures to meet organizational needs; follow the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors
• Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the City of Colorado Springs Class Specifications page

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study 
• Seven years of full-time, professional experience in accounting, auditing procedures or audit management 
• Five years of leadership or supervisory experience 
• Possess the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential upon start date

One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are not required, but they are considered desirable. If you possess any of the preferred qualifications, please include specific details in your application. This information may be used to identify a top group of applicants. 

• Experience as an auditor in a utilities environment is highly desired Experience working with elected officials
• Experience working in a government setting
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Possession of relevant certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP)