Financial Principal Auditor (State Principal Auditor)

Initial Posting Date:

03/30/2026Application Deadline:

04/12/2026Agency:

Secretary of StateSalary Range:

8,763\.00 \- 13,561\.00 MonthlyPosition Type:

EmployeePosition Title:

Financial Principal Auditor (State Principal Auditor)Job Description:

LOCATION: Salem, ORIn\-state remote work may be available for this position with supervisor approval. See definition and requirements of remote work for the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office:Remote work with the Secretary of State’s OfficeSALARY:

$8,763 \- $13,561/per month Non\-PERS Rate

$9,288 \- $14,374/per month PERS RateWHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Financial Principal Auditor organizes and leads financial and compliance audits of various state agencies under the general direction and oversight of an Audit Manager. Specifically, financial principal auditors:

• Review fiscal and accounting functions and systems.
• Evaluate agency grant programs and activities, functions and programs of contractors and grantees, including financial and compliance audits of contracts and grants.
• Review and evaluate internal controls.
• Review and test accounting records.
• Develop estimates and expectations of financial statement accounts.
• Review financial trends and analyze variances.
• Analyze financial statement account balances and draw conclusions.
• Review and test compliance with state and/or federal laws and regulations.
• Review and assess financial reporting of governmental financial statements and related disclosures.
• Oversee audit engagements and execute adequate project management to ensure budgets are met.
• Provide guidance and direction to staff auditors assigned to engagements and report performance to audit manager.

For explicit duties, please request a copy of the position description from HR.SOS@SOS.oregon.gov.TO QUALIFY:*Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our desired qualifications listed.*Your application must demonstrate education and/or experience in the following:

• A
Bachelor’s degree in accounting; or a non\-accounting Bachelor’s Degree and accounting courses equivalent to 24 quarter or 18 semester credit hours. AND

* Three (3\) years of professional level financial auditing experience. Experience must include following AICPA (Clarified) Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, knowledge and application of auditing standards and audit methodologies, and verbal communication skills. Included in the three (3\) years of experience: two (2\) years conducting governmental audits in compliance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS or Yellow book).

OR

• An
Associate’s degree or higher in accounting; AND

* Five (5\) years of professional level governmental audit experience conducting financial audits following AICPA (Clarified) Generally Accepted Auditing Standards for another state government comparable to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office.

OR

• A combination of experience or education equivalent to
seven (7\) years’ experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification, with up to five (5\) years credit for professional level governmental audit experience conducting financial audits following AICPA (Clarified) Generally Accepted Auditing Standards for another state government comparable to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. Education must include accounting courses equivalent to 24 quarter or 18 semester credit hours

Preference may be given to candidates who have completed college level auditing coursework and/or have an active CPA, have passed portions of the CPA, or meet the educational hours required by the Oregon Board of Accountancy to sit for the CPA exam.As the most competitive candidate, your application will demonstrate the following requested skills and experience:

• Demonstrate clear and effective communication, verbally and in writing; attentively listen to others and clearly and accurately express ideas and document audit support.
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, database and other audit software.
• Apply and adhere to audit standards. Investigate situations and find facts. Analyze and assess data or information.
• Works well as part of a team and independently.
• Organize work assignments and manage time efficiently.
• Think critically, logically, laterally, and creatively.
• Work cooperatively and develop positive relationships with others.
• Recognize and respect diversity in people.

*If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.*HOW TO APPLY:

• Click apply
• Complete job history and education sections to clearly demonstrate how you meet minimum qualifications for the position
• Upload your
resume
• Upload a one or two page cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications in the “To Qualify” section and what knowledge, skills and experience you have that will help you perform the duties listed in the “What You Will Do” section
• Submit your finalized application
• Complete additional inbox questionnaires on confidentiality and veteran status
• Check back periodically for additional actions

*Please note: you must attach your resume and cover letter to your application and complete the job history and education sections of the application. Failure to submit the required materials will remove your application from consideration.*ABOUT THE AGENCY:

The Oregon Secretary of State is one of three constitutional offices created at statehood. As an independent constitutional officer, the Secretary of State answers directly and solely to the people of Oregon.

The Secretary of State employs approximately 245 full\-time, part\-time, and temporary employees. The Secretary oversees the functions of seven program divisions: Archives, Audits, Corporation, Elections, Business Services, Information Systems, and Human Resources.OUR MISSION:

Build trust between the people of Oregon and our state government so that public services can make a positive impact in peoples’ lives.OUR VISION:

We envision an Oregon without barriers, where we lead with our values and believe every voice should be heard. We do so by:

• Building equitable access to our democracy.
• Making tools easily available to achieve economic success.
• Ensuring state resources are used sustainably, efficiently and accountable to the public.
• Honestly acknowledging Oregon’s history.

OUR VALUES:Access for all

We elevate equity through identifying and actively eliminating barriers. Authenticity

We have integrity and are honest and true to ourselves and others. Clarity

We share stories, using plain language to increase understanding and impact. Respect

We are committed to serving the people of Oregon and strive to understand all viewpoints. Service

We are responsive and prioritize the needs of current and future Oregonians we serve.

For more information about the Oregon Office of Secretary of State, please visit: State of Oregon: Oregon Secretary of State \- HomeWHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:* Family Friendly Work Life Balance (paid time off, 12 holidays, 3 personal days, short and long term disability benefits)

* Take Care of Yourself and Your Family (comprehensive employee benefits, choice of medical plans, vision plan, life insurance, child care flexible spending account, employee assistance program)

* Celebrate Uniqueness: Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of our values. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are critical to developing a talented, high\-performing workforce and are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all of our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. We strive to maintain a culture that attracts, develops and retains a diverse workforce that closely mirrors the residents of our community. We learn from and respect the cultures in which we operate and value the uniqueness of individual talents, experiences and ideas.

* Invest in Your Future: (Pension plan, deferred comp, short and long term disability plan, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care)

* Be Appreciated (employee recognition events, agency unique employee recognition program allowing for additional leave options such as vacation buy\-out and sick leave roll\-over, dynamic employees doing impactful work)

* ADA: At the Secretary of State, we value community and foster a sense of belonging for our employees

See our current job listings and internship opportunities, compensation, and benefits here: Careers with the Secretary of State.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Additional applicant screening will depend on the number of qualified applications received. Screening may include skills testing, the results which may be used as part of the applicant evaluation process.
• Candidates whose background most closely matches the qualifications and required/requested skills of this position will be invited to an interview.
• Successful candidates must pass a criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veteran Resources. You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1\-800\-692\-9666\.
• The Secretary of State does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I\-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.
• The salary listed is the non\-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6%.

QUESTIONS?

For additional information you may contact us at HR.SOS@SOS.oregon.gov.*The Oregon Secretary of State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workplace.*