Job Description
Deputy City Auditor -
City of Columbus, Ohio Position Type:
Appointed Senior Executive Leadership Department:
City Auditor's Office Reports To:
City Auditor FLSA Status:
Exempt The City of Columbus Columbus is at the epicenter of the state's political, economic, and social presence. The 14th largest city in the nation, Columbus is growing in every way: we're adding people, more diverse cultures, and vibrancy to our neighborhoods. The city is a thriving hub of startups, healthcare innovation, and big-name tech companies, so much so that we have earned the nickname "Silicon Heartland." Our job market is fueled by top-notch talent graduating from our region's numerous colleges and universities, including research and innovation superstar The Ohio State University. The city also boasts a foodie atmosphere that makes delicious dishes a way of life. About the Office The Columbus Auditor's Office is the financial and technology nerve center of one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Our office manages billions in revenue, leads major technology initiatives, and uses data-driven decision-making to strengthen Columbus' economy and quality of life. Our work ensures that Columbus is financially resilient and equipped for the future. We strive for a culture where our employees feel valued, empowered, and supported. Our senior team includes nationally recognized leaders in their respective fields, some of whom serve on committees with other public sector leaders, advise on certain subjects, and routinely present at industry conferences. We encourage our employees to pursue these opportunities and reward innovation, creativity, and service. Position Summary The Deputy City Auditor serves as a senior executive leader within the City Auditor's Office, supporting the City Auditor in fulfilling all duties prescribed by the Columbus City Charter and Columbus City Code. Under the direction of the City Auditor, is responsible for assisting the City Auditor in the supervision and coordination of the staff of his/her department and to act for the City Auditor in his/her absence. The role provides strategic, operational, and technical leadership across the City's financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, payroll, debt management, financial systems, financial analytics, and income tax administration. The Deputy City Auditor ensures the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of the City's fiscal processes and plays a central role in safeguarding public resources. Performs related duties as required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Oversight Directs and oversees citywide accounting operations, including certification of funds, receipts, disbursements, asset and liability management, and internal control compliance. Provides executive oversight of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), ensuring compliance with GASB, GAAP, and GFOA reporting standards. Ensures timely, accurate, and transparent financial reporting to elected officials, departments, residents, and external stakeholders. Assists the Auditor in preparing the City's official revenue estimate. Governmental Accounting Expertise Applies a complete and advanced understanding of governmental accounting principles, including fund accounting, GASB pronouncements, revenue recognition, expenditure classification, and financial statement preparation. Interprets complex accounting standards and implements required changes across all financial operations. Serves as a subject-matter expert for internal and external audits. ERP & Financial Systems Management Provides leadership over the City's financial systems, including the accounting system, revenue management system, payroll system, and financial dashboards. Demonstrates the ability to understand and navigate a complex ERP system within a short period of time, ensuring system integrity, data accuracy, and operational efficiency. Partners with IT, system vendors, and internal stakeholders to optimize workflows, implement upgrades, and resolve system issues. Operational Oversight & Division Leadership Oversees and supports the work of multiple divisions, including: Accounting & Operations Financial Reporting Payroll Debt Management Financial Systems Financial Analytics Division of Income Tax Ensures each division meets performance expectations, regulatory requirements, and service standards. Strategic Planning & Policy Development Advises the City Auditor on fiscal policy, operational status and improvements, and long-term financial planning. Leads initiatives to enhance transparency, user experience, and access to financial information. Develops and implements internal controls, financial policies, and risk mitigation strategies. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication Serves as a primary liaison to City departments, elected officials, external auditors, rating agencies, and the public. Communicates complex financial information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. Represents the Auditor's Office in intergovernmental, professional, and community settings. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Governmental Accounting & Reporting Expert-level knowledge of GASB standards, GAAP, fund accounting, and municipal financial reporting. Ability to interpret and apply complex accounting rules and regulatory requirements. ERP & Technology Competency Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn and master a complex ERP environment (e.g., financials, payroll, revenue, analytics). Strong understanding of financial system integrations, data structures, and workflow automation. Leadership & Management Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a high-volume, high-visibility public-sector environment. Strong decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to drive and support change management. Communication & Collaboration Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build relationships across departments and with external partners. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. Extensive experience in governmental accounting, municipal finance, or public-sector financial leadership. Experience managing complex financial systems and large-scale operational teams. CPA, CGFM, or CPFO preferred. Demonstrated experience leading people and teams. This must include direct supervisory duties and team leadership. Responsibilities must include directing, coordinating, guiding, supporting, and correcting the work of others to achieve goals, objectives, and deliverables. Special Note A person who has been selected by an appointing authority in accordance with the Columbus City Charter, Section 148(1) is said to have received an unclassified appointment. Those individuals receiving unclassified appointments serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and may be terminated from employment at any time. Please contact the Civil Service Commission if you would like additional information regarding this process. Recruitment #: 26-0163-V1 Employment Type:
Full-Time (Regular) Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact: Andrea Rice Columbus City Auditor 77 N. Front St. Columbus, Ohio 43215 P:
(614) 645- 0539 E:
anrice@columbus.gov The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer
