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What is a city auditor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Primarily, city auditors are tasked with developing and implementing internal audit functions for a city. They perform financial and operational audits of the city departments, programs, and activities. Similarly, they audit private companies in contractual agreements with the city. They manage complex audits, large projects, or fraud investigations and perform internal financial control, compliance audits, and special reviews as required.

Although some employers prefer an MBA, you can get a job with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. Candidates must have at least five years of experience in a related role. You must possess communication and analytical skills. Having certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a plus. You must also be conversant with relevant state and federal laws. City auditors make about $68,919 in a year. Their salary varies from $42,000 to $114,000.

ScoreCity AuditorUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,776

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.0

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 12.29%

Black or African American 6.27%

Hispanic or Latino 12.51%

Unknown 4.04%

White 64.43%

Gender

female 55.56%

male 44.44%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
7.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.9

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a city auditor

  1. Explore city auditor education requirements

    Most common city auditor degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.2 %

    Master's

    16.9 %

    Associate

    13.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific city auditor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Audit Reports28.31%
    Internal Controls18.35%
    Audit Findings18.06%
    Audit Programs8.09%
    Performance Audits6.25%
  3. Complete relevant city auditor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New city auditors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a city auditor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real city auditor resumes.
  4. Research city auditor duties and responsibilities

    • Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and system administration functions.
    • Manage and coordinate annual external business evaluation in conjunction with CPA consultants.
    • Maintain compliance with GAAP and GASB statements.
    • Develop annual audit plans and audit methodologies and ensure compliance with audit standards and GAAP.
  5. Apply for city auditor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a city auditor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first city auditor job

Zippi

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Average city auditor salary

The average city auditor salary in the United States is $51,776 per year or $25 per hour. City auditor salaries range between $30,000 and $88,000 per year.

Average city auditor salary
$51,776 Yearly
$24.89 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do city auditors rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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3 stars

2 stars

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City auditor reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Because of the reviewing of companies financial records, and because I have to make decisions

Cons

Sometimes decision taking is difficult


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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