City Council leadership statement regarding the updated City Auditor appointment ordinance

Residents of Colorado Springs expect accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources. That is why City Council recently updated the qualifications for the City Auditor.

The change shifts the requirement from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Far from lowering the bar, this raises expectations for what the Auditor's office should deliver.

Here's the distinction: CPAs are trained to prepare and audit financial statements. That expertise is essential, but the City Charter already requires external CPA firms to perform all the city's financial audits. That safeguard remains firmly in place.

The City Auditor's role is different. This position is about leadership, not accounting. The Auditor leads a department that conducts performance audits, evaluates risk, and ensures city government operates with integrity. The job requires independence, vision, and the ability to guide a team in holding the city accountable.

That is why the CIA credential matters. The Certified Internal Auditor designation is the nationally recognized standard for professionals who lead internal audit functions. It is endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Government Accountability Office, and the Association of Local Government Auditors. Cities across the country rely on it as the benchmark for strong internal oversight.

With this change, Colorado Springs strengthens its capacity for accountability. Our finances will still be audited by outside CPA firms, while the City Auditor provides independent, risk-based oversight of city operations.

Residents of Colorado Springs can be confident: this decision safeguards the city's financial integrity and ensures that the Auditor's office is led by someone fully equipped to protect the public trust.