To become a city auditor, a strong background in finance and accounting principles is required, along with familiarity with Government Accounting Standards Board guidelines. The position can be appointed or elected, and a degree in public finance or public administration may be necessary. An advanced degree may be required for larger cities, and experience in support positions can lead to advancement.
Those looking to become a city auditor need to have a strong background in finance, preferably public finance, in addition to accounting principles. For the most part, cities follow the guidelines and standards set by the Government Accounting Standards Board, so familiarity with these standards is preferred. It is also important for an individual looking to become a city auditor to understand how the position is handled in their community.
The position of city auditor, like many other forms of city personnel in administrative roles, can be appointed or elected. The choice between nominating and electing is often a matter of state law, although in some places local voters may also have a say in how the position is handled. Like many other elected city positions, the ultimate goal of anyone who wants to become a city auditor and stay in that position is to please the voters. While the office of city auditor is not truly a party political position, the party he is affiliated with may play a role in the election, especially if a party is in a stronger position in a given year.
Many universities and some colleges will offer degrees in public finance and public administration. One of these will be needed by those who want to become a city auditor, especially if the position is designated. In some cases, it may be necessary to meet certain minimum qualifications to become a city auditor, even if the position is elected. Like other elected officials, there are always some sort of minimum qualifications, usually related to age or education.
Those looking to become a city auditor in a medium to large city may need an advanced degree. A master’s degree is always a good idea and represents the minimum qualifications for some cities. Generally, those who hold only a bachelor’s degree can find employment in smaller cities, which are those with populations of less than 15,000. Once a few years of experience are gained, this can serve as a substitute for the Masters requirement in larger cities.
Often, those looking to become a city auditor will also be able to find a job in a support position. There may be jobs as assistant auditors or in the city’s accounting department that are readily available. From there it should be possible for individuals to move up as long as the quality of work remains consistently high.
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