What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant State Auditor 1, 2, or 3 (Tacoma) position at Washington State Health Care Authority?
Description
At the State Auditor’s Office, we work together to make a difference in how our state government operates. With 15 offices statewide, we are looking for innovative, talented people to join our team to help us continue our important work. Get to know us! We take pride in serving various governments and the people of Washington State. Learn more about who we are and what we do on social media, using the hashtag #WeAreSAO and on our website at https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/what-we-do.
Our Culture:
We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace environment that is collaborative and supports all employees as we effectively carry out the agency’s mission. This includes ensuring inclusion and equity throughout the agency, while embracing the individual differences of our employees and clients. We believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds are fundamental to doing our best work.
The Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) prides itself in offering flexible schedules and a hybrid work environment that helps our staff balance work and life.
About the Role: Assistant State Auditor
Auditing is an excellent opportunity for innovators. It's your chance to join us in the search for new ideas to ensure our audits are relevant and provide value to the governments we audit. It's a career in which you can take pride in the work you do and the services we perform for the citizens of Washington State.
We are currently looking to fill an Assistant State Auditor position in Tacoma, WA.
About Team Tacoma:
Team Tacoma offers a unique opportunity for team members to participate in a variety of local government audits, including accountability, financial statement, and federal grant compliance audits. The Team is responsible for conducting the audits of approximately 70 local governments located in Pierce County and for ensuring these governments safeguard public funds and follow state and federal laws and their own policies. Team Tacoma performs audits of the county, cities, school districts, fire districts, ports, and more, within Pierce County. Within the Agency, Team Tacoma promotes the Office’s mission and values, and a professional, respectful, constructive, and collaborative work environment. We embrace a team culture that strives to be accountable for our work and to our team, continually support one another’s personal and professional growth, and aim to conduct meaningful work that makes a difference to citizens and clients alike. The Team values goal-driven employees who are inquisitive, team-orientated, organized and life-long learners. To aid in each employees’ success, we offer a dynamic and ongoing training program that combines one-on-one training with continuous opportunities for skill development and professional learning in the governmental auditing sector. In addition, the Agency and Team support our employees in maintaining a work/life balance and professional or educational goals through our tuition reimbursement and professional certification training programs.
A job and benefits that support a healthy work/life balance.
The Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) prides itself in offering flexible schedules and a hybrid work environment that helps our staff balance work and life. We also offer a comprehensive package of health and wellness benefits to employees, including:
- Full benefits package. Click here to learn more.
- Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.
- Growth and development opportunities, including 80 hours of training each biennium
- Educational and professional certification reimbursements
- An agency-wide commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and respect in the workplace.
Duties
Find out more about what local government audit teams do here!
Assistant State Auditor 1 ($4,406 - $5,928)
This is the first level of our in-training program for staff with little audit experience. The Office provides classes, on-the-job training time, and work product review and feedback to assist new auditors in gaining skills to move to the next level. Most work is completed in the field at the governmental entity, with employees working in teams.
Assistant State Auditor 2 ($5,111 - $6,870)
In this second level of our in-training program, auditors continue to build upon the experience they gained through work as an Assistant State Auditor 1, our Internship program, or comparable work at another organization. At this level, employees may to be assigned opportunities to plan and conduct audits under the guidance of their supervisor.
Assistant State Auditor 3 ($6,384 - $8,583)
This is the journey level of our Assistant State Auditor series. Staff at this level are responsible for planning and conducting risk-based financial & legal compliance, audits of Washington State agencies and local governments. They may also perform special investigations pertaining to citizen concerns and/or frauds. Journey level auditors review the work and provide mentoring to in-training level staff.
Successful Assistant State Auditors come from many backgrounds. The primary competencies required for this role is:
- Written and verbal communication
- Time/Project Management
- Understanding of Accounting concepts/principles as they relate to Auditing.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skill
- Team Collaboration: Ability to build effective working relationships.
Qualifications
Education and years of experience combined with demonstrated competencies will determine Assistant State Auditor placement.
Job Qualification Requirement: Within this section, relevant experience is defined as experience in accounting, auditing, finance, banking, or financial investigations.
Assistant State Auditor 1 ($4,406 - $5,928)
This is the first level of our in-training program for staff with little audit experience. The Office provides classes, on-the-job training time, and work product review and feedback to assist new auditors in gaining skills to move to the next level. Most work is completed in the field at the governmental entity, with employees working in teams.
Job Qualification Requirement:
Option 1- Requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three college-level accounting courses.
OR
Option 2- Education may be substituted with experience. Total experience must be 4-years of business or relevant experience, of which a minimum of 1-year in accounting/auditing is required.
OR
Option 3- Any equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Assistant State Auditor 2 ($5,111 - $6,870)
In this second level of our in-training program, auditors continue to build upon the experience they gained through work as an Assistant State Auditor 1 or through comparable work at another organization. At this level, employees may be assigned opportunities to plan and conduct audits, participate in client discussions and/or presentations under the guidance of a supervisor or Audit Lead.
Job Qualification Requirement:
Option 1- Requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three college-level accounting courses as well as one year of relevant experience. Government audit experience preferred.
OR
Option 2- Education may be substituted with experience. Total experience must be 5-years of business or relevant experience, of which a minimum of 2-years in accounting/auditing is required. Government audit experience preferred.
OR
Option 3- Any equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Assistant State Auditor 3 ($6,384 - $8,583)
This is the journey level of our Assistant State Auditor series. Staff at this level are responsible for planning and conducting risk-based financial & legal compliance, audits of Washington State agencies and local governments. They may also perform special investigations pertaining to citizen concerns and/or frauds. Journey level auditors review the work and provide mentoring to in-training level staff.
Job Qualification Requirement:
Option 1- Requires a bachelor's degree and completion of at least three college-level accounting classes and two years of relevant experience. Government audit experience preferred.
OR
Option 2- Education may be substituted with experience. Total experience must be 6-years of relevant experience, of which a minimum of 3-years in accounting or auditing is required. Government audit experience preferred.
OR
Option 3- Any equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Supplemental Information
We offer a comprehensive package of health and wellness benefits to employees, including:
- Full benefits package. Click here to learn more.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Growth and development opportunities, including 80 hours of training each biennium.
- Educational and professional certification reimbursements.
- An agency-wide commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion in the workplace.
Make a difference; find your purpose; join Team SAO! To hear what others have to say about working at SAO, click here.
Application Process:
For consideration, applicants must:
- Submit a completed application.
- Provide complete responses on all supplemental questions.
- Submit a resume and cover letter addressing how your education/experience relates to the key competencies identified for this position.
Important note: Submissions received absent of all three required components above may result in the disqualification of your candidacy.
***Your application materials will be used to determine your qualifications and eligibility to be considered for this position. You must submit a complete application including a cover letter detailing your qualifications and resume. Missing items will be considered incomplete and may disqualify you from further consideration. ***
Applicants should expect to be onsite at our Tacoma office regularly throughout the duration of their initial onboarding and training. While we offer a flexible/hybrid environment, telework opportunities will be limited until staff progress further on in their career.
Candidates using a degree awarded outside the United States to qualify, must include a credential evaluation report.
Applications that require a credential evaluation report and do not include one will be disqualified.
If you are a US Veteran and would like to apply for Veteran's Preference, attach a copy of Form DD214 military record showing qualifying discharge.
Questions may be directed to the applications unit at applicationsunit@sao.wa.gov.
The Office of the Washington State Auditor is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons with a disability, who need assistance in the application or testing process, or who need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (564) 999-0947 or via the telecommunications relay service by dialing 7-1-1.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026