DescriptionThe Office of the Washington State Auditor offers a chance to make a difference in how government operates. Our staff come from a variety of professional backgrounds. We work in a collaborative manner with intelligent, creative and supportive colleagues. We value innovators and creative thinking. We continue to look for new ideas to ensure our audits provide value to the government and the public.  To learn more about our agency and the work that we perform, visit our website at www.sao.wa.gov.

Performance audit interns evaluate a variety of government agencies, programs and policies at the forefront of public policy. Interns gain broad exposure to policymakers and executives throughout state government and serve on a team to help develop and conduct independent performance audits.  Because this work is demanding, time-bound and important, interns must have superior time- and project-management skills.

We offer paid summer internships with our performance audit team in Olympia, Washington. The start and duration of internships is flexible. Travel to audit sites might be required.

This recruitment will be used to establish a pool of candidates to fill internship positions as they open.  To be considered, you must submit your completed application materials at careers.wa.gov.

Duties  
Our interns become part of a team responsible for conducting performance audits. Interns work with audit staff to analyze complex operations and issues, and to evaluate alternatives to reach sound and logical conclusions and recommendations. Interns may collect and evaluate a wealth of information, either in statistical or narrative form, interview agency staff, and draft audit report sections. Our audits cover the full spectrum of state and local government activities.

Desired qualifications  
Our Office seeks candidates who have or are in the process of acquiring the following qualifications and skills:

• Produce both quantitative and qualitative analyses of superior quality
• Excel at documenting their work, writing results, and presenting their work to audiences ranging from team members to legislative members and staff
• Demonstrate skill in project management, management control systems, research design, data collection, data analysis, and report writing
• Develop recommendations that improve performance, provide cost savings, and increase accountability
• Demonstrate the ability to use quantitative, financial, evaluation, and policy analysis methodologies and related software
• Have a functional understanding of public administration and government
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with a variety of audiences, including colleagues, audited agencies, and the public
• Are currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in an applicable field (e.g., public administration, public policy, political science, economics, business) at an accredited college or university.

Supplemental Information:  
To apply, it is requested that you submit:

1. Your completed application at careers.wa.gov;
2. A letter of interest specifically addressing how you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement;
3. A current resume; and
4. A list of two academic or professional references.

Questions may be directed to the applications unit of our Office by calling or by emailing 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 (360) 725-5623 or the telecommunications device for the hearing impaired at (800) 833-6388.