• Job Description

  Req#: 5310733
  Salary: $4,320.00 - $8,415.00 Monthly
  Location : Benton County - Kennewick, WA
  Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-03236
  Department: Auditor's Office
  Opening Date: 04/16/2026
  Closing Date: 4/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
  
  Description
  Assistant State Auditor 1, 2, or 3 - Tri-Cities
  
  This recruitment is to fill a vacancy in our Kennewick office.
  About SAO:
  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
  
  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 Kennewick, WA.
  
  About Team Tri-Cities:
  
  Team Tri-Cities is one of 17 local audit teams within the Office of the Washington State Auditor and is responsible for conducting audits primarily in Benton, Columbia, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties. We also conduct some audits in Adams and Grant Counties. Team Tri-Cities has an office in Kennewick and a sub-office in Walla Walla. We perform about 120 audits on an annual basis. Our audits include accountability, financial and federal grant compliance audits and cover a wide variety of entities such as cities, counties, public housing authorities, different types of districts such as schools, fire, conservation, irrigation, hospital, health, library, public transportation, utility, ports, public facilities, and other miscellaneous entity types.
  
  Team Tri-Cities seeks to be a partner with our audit clients through clear communication and mutual respect in promoting accountability, accurate reporting, and transparency to best serve our communities and citizens. Together, we want to make a difference.
  
  Within the agency, Team Tri-Cities promotes the Office's mission and values, and a professional, respectful, and constructive work environment. We value our team members and support them in their growth and development through a customized training program that fits their needs to help them be successful and obtain audit skills. Our training program includes internal and external educational training opportunities, online resources, one on one in person training and remote guidance. Our main goal is to work in the environment that is best suited for our individual team members and audit clients that offers the most support while promoting efficiency throughout the audit process. We want to empower our team members to perform their best
  
  Diversity and inclusion are important to us. We appreciate the value and strengths that each team member brings to our team and consistently seek feedback from all team members to continuously improve any aspect of our team processes and environment. We are passionate about what we do, and our team culture revolves around being supportive, team-oriented, accountable, collaborative, and flexible.
  
  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.
  
  Duties
  
  Find out more about what local government audit teams do here!
  
  Assistant State Auditor 1 ($4,320 - $5,812)
  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 ($5,011 - $6,735)
  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 ($6,259 - $8,415)
  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.
  
  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 ($4,320 - $5,812)
  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 ($5,011 - $6,735)
  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 ($6,259 - $8,415)
  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.
  • 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 will 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. ***
  
  Degrees awarded outside the United States 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 (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 (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 , 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
  
  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
  01
  
  The application process requires that you attach a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position, along with a resume. Please confirm below that you have attached the required documentation.
  • Yes, I have attached a cover letter and resume.
  • No, I have not attached a cover letter and resume.
  
  02
  
  As an ASA you will be required to be onsite 3 to 5 days per week. This means you will be in person either at the assigned duty station of the Office, or meeting with our audit clients at their work location. While we offer a hybrid work schedule, remote work will be limited until staff progress further on in their career.If this sounds like an exciting opportunity and you are willing and able to meet the needs of our work location, please choose "yes" below.
  • Yes
  • No
  
  03
  
  0950 - Please provide a detailed outline of your accounting experience including relevant education courses or work history/volunteer experience. Details for any courses should include the following information: Name of College/University, Course Code and Name, Number of Sem/Qtr Credits, Grade Received. (Example: University of Washington, Acct 201 - Intermediate Accounting, 5qtr, B). Details for relevant work/volunteer history should include the following: Name of Organization, Date/Length of Service and Description of work performed. These details will be used to determine your eligibility.
  Required Question

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