State of Oregon

Performance Principal Auditor (State Principal Auditor)

State of Oregon$105K — $162K *
Salem, OR 97301In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Public Policy, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or related field, along with three years of performance audit experience.
  • Alternatively, an Associate's degree and five years of governmental audit experience following GAGAS.
  • A combination of education and experience totaling seven years, with significant audit experience also acceptable.
  • Familiarity with audit standards such as GAGAS or IIA’s standards is essential.
  • Preference for candidates with college-level auditing coursework or experience in program evaluation, policy analysis, or operations research.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and organize performance and compliance audits for state agencies.
  • Gather and analyze information to understand the programs or agencies under review.
  • Identify and conduct interviews with key stakeholders and management.
  • Define audit scope and objectives, developing a tailored audit plan.
  • Oversee the work of junior auditors, providing training and guidance as needed.
  • Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to make operational recommendations.
  • Draft audit reports and present findings to relevant authorities.

Benefits

  • In-state remote work options may be available with supervisory approval.
  • Engagement in a role that influences operational efficiency across state agencies.
  • Collaboration with a diverse team of professionals in government auditing.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within the Oregon Secretary of State's Office.
Full Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

06/22/2026

Application Deadline:

07/05/2026

Agency:

Secretary of State

Salary Range:

$8,763 - $13,561

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Performance Principal Auditor (State Principal Auditor)

Job Description:

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. 

LOCATION: Salem, OR

In-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 Office.

SALARY:

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

$9,288 - $14,374/per month PERS Rate

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Performance Principal Auditor organizes and leads the execution of performance and compliance audits of various state agencies under the general direction and oversight of an Audit Manager. Specifically, Performance Principal Auditors:

  • Gather, collect, and assemble information to obtain an understanding of the organization or program under audit.

  • Identify and interview key agency or program managers and staff, stakeholders, legislative staff, legislators and experts in the field of study.

  • Determine the scope of audits, identify audit objectives, and write audit plans by identifying procedures to follow to achieve audit objectives.

  • Give direction on work procedures and review the work of lower-level audit staff members.

  • Provide on-the-job training and coaching to the staff and provide informal assessment of lower-level staff to the audit manager and elevate performance issues to the audit manager when needed.   

  • Analyze and synthesize a broad array of quantitative and qualitative information on an organization or gram’s resources, workload, and results to prepare recommendations on operational, budgetary, organizational, and other administrative matters.

  • Write and/or oversee writing audit reports and/or management letters and present audit results to auditees and others charged with governance such as audit and legislative committees.

For explicit duties, please request a copy of the position description from.

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 or higher in Business or Public Administration, Public Policy, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or related field, AND

  • Three (3) years of experience conducting performance audits. Experience must include conducting performance audits in compliance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS or Yellow book), or IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audits (Red book), including, project management experience, knowledge and application of professional auditing standards and audit methodologies, report writing, and verbal communication skills.  Six (6) months of this requirement may be substituted with professional experience in any of the following areas: program evaluation, data analysis and presentation, policy analysis or operations research.

OR

  • An Associates degree or higher in Business or Public Administration, Public Policy, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or related field, AND

  • Five (5) years of professional level governmental audit experience conducting performance audits following Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS or Yellow book) for performance audits, or IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audits (Redbook) 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 performance audits following Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS or Yellow book) for performance audits, or IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audits (Redbook) for another state government comparable to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office.

Preference may be given to candidates who have completed college level auditing coursework and/or who have experience* where job duties include work in any of the following areas: 

  • Program evaluation, which includes collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about projects, policies and/or programs, particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency data analysis and presentation, which includes analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data and presenting it in oral and written formats;       

  • Policy analysis, which includes examining and evaluating available options for implementing the goals of laws, elected officials, organizations or government programs; and/or                                            

  • Operations research, which includes using advanced techniques, such as optimization, data mining, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help businesses and organizations operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.                                                                         

*To receive credit for this experience, a candidate must have worked in a job for which one or more of the above categories comprised at least 50% of all job duties.  We will evaluate the non-audit experience to determine what experience meets the qualifications.

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 government 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 jobhistory and education sections to clearly demonstrate how you meet minimum qualifications for the position

  • Upload your resume

  • ​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 complete the job history and education sections of the application. Failure to submit the required materials will remove your application from consideration.


WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
  • This recruitment is scheduled to be open for application between: 6/22/26 - 7/5/26

  • Manager review of applications: 7/6/26 - 7/16/26

  • Top scoring candidates will tentatively be invited to an in-person interview between: 8/3/26 - 8/14/26

  • Tentative start date for the successful candidate: week of 9/14/26

About State of Oregon

State of Oregon Careers

Join the dedicated team at the State of Oregon, where job opportunities abound across various sectors, offering a unique blend of public service roles that cater to a diverse range of skills and professional interests. The State of Oregon is renowned for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and diversity training, ensuring that every team member is equipped to contribute effectively and grow within their career.

Explore the Opportunities

State of Oregon offers a plethora of employment options from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles. Each position is designed to harness the unparalleled capabilities of its workforce, fostering a culture of growth and learning.

Internship Programs

Kickstart a career with the State of Oregon through internship programs that provide hands-on experience in a range of fields. These internships are perfect for gaining valuable industry insights and building a professional network that can open doors to future career opportunities.

Professional Growth and Development

The State of Oregon is committed to the professional growth of its employees, offering extensive training and development programs that encourage career advancement. From leadership workshops to diversity training, employees have access to resources that help them thrive professionally and personally.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at the State of Oregon enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports both their professional and personal lives. The company culture emphasizes teamwork, respect, and inclusivity, making it an ideal workplace for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact through their careers.

Hiring Process

The hiring process at the State of Oregon is designed to be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that all candidates have a fair chance of securing a position. From the initial resume submission to the final interview, each step is conducted with the utmost professionalism and respect for the applicants.

Networking and Innovation

State of Oregon encourages a culture of networking and innovation, allowing employees to share ideas and collaborate on projects that lead to groundbreaking solutions in public service. This environment not only enhances job satisfaction but also propels the State of Oregon towards achieving its long-term goals.

Career Advancement

With a focus on continuous improvement and leadership development, the State of Oregon provides employees with numerous opportunities to advance their careers. Whether through promotions, cross-training, or specialized projects, the pathways for growth are abundant.

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