Principal Auditor

King County is launching an ambitious effort to establish an internal audit function to drive greater accountability, transparency, and organizational effectiveness across the County Executive Branch in alignment with Executive Zahilay’s Executive Order to strengthen governance and fiscal oversight. To support this work, we are seeking an experienced Principal Internal Auditor.

The Principal Internal Auditor will help to build the audit function in partnership with the Internal Audit Director, developing processes in alignment with internal audit standards, assisting with the annual internal audit risk assessment and audit plan, and leading and conducting internal audits. The Senior Internal Auditor will also support the development and management of the internal audit function’s quality control system.

• Plan, lead, and execute risk-based performance, compliance, and financial audits and advisory services in alignment with the Institute for Internal Auditors Global Internal Audit Standards.

• Develop clear, concise, and well-supported audit and advisory service reports
• Present on audit and advisory service findings and recommendations to department and executive office leadership
• Partner with the Internal Audit Director to develop and refine the internal audit function, including by developing audit policies, procedures, templates, and other elements of the audit quality control system
• Partner with the Internal Audit Director in the development of the annual internal audit risk assessment and audit plan
• Partner with the Internal Audit Director to support the administration of the quality assurance and improvement program by conducting ongoing internal monitoring, periodic audit function self-assessments, and preparation and coordination for external quality assessments
• Track and validate the implementation of audit recommendations
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with county staff and leadership while maintaining objectivity and independence
• Oversee audits conducted by additional audit staff or consultants as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Accountable

Collaborative

Timely

Impactful

Value Employees

Accessible

Trusted

Equitable

We are looking for a collaborative, analytical auditor who can evaluate complex governance, risk management, and control challenges, navigate sensitive organizational dynamics, prioritize risks, and execute audits and function development efforts independently.

A strong candidate will have at minimum the following qualifications:

• Working knowledge of audit standards, including the Institute for Internal Auditors Global Internal Audit Standards or Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards

• A bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field
• At least five years of experience in government or internal auditing with progressively increasing levels of responsibility
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, report, and present on performance, compliance, and financial standards aligned audits
• Exceptional communication skills including the ability to synthesize and communicate complex information clearly, both in writing and verbally, to a wide range of stakeholders, from staff to executive leadership; must be able to prepare original written and verbal communication without the use of AI tools
• Demonstrated ability to work across teams, manage competing priorities, and translate audit observations into clear findings and recommendations that reduce organizational risk

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification

• A master’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field
• Additional applicable certifications (Certified Information System Auditor, Certified Fraud…