The Tucson Unified School District’s search for an internal auditor has been extended after the first pool of applicants did not make the cut.
TUSD hoped to have the position filled by July 1, but recently put out a renewed call for candidates after receiving about a dozen applications.
Of those who inquired about the job, two were hired elsewhere by the time their applications were reviewed, one was not qualified, and the remaining nine were referred to a committee but not chosen for an interview following further screening.
The internal auditor position has long been debated in Tucson’s largest district, with some board members, community members and external audits calling for it to increase transparency and public confidence.
The role of the internal auditor is to examine and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of TUSD’s management-control systems to ensure compliance with local, state and federal rules for financial reporting.
Questions about who the auditor would report to, how the position would be paid for, and concerns that it could cause a division between Governing Board members, however, stymied the effort.
In the spring, TUSD Superintendent H.T. Sanchez made the call to advertise the position, which could pay as much as $75,000 a year depending on experience. The position will be paid for with funds made available by key retirements.
As far as the reporting structure goes, Sanchez decided the internal auditor would report to him for administrative matters only and would otherwise be overseen by the Governing Board.
The TUSD audit committee will interview applicants and recommend one for approval by the Governing Board.
Minimally, applicants must be certified internal auditors or certified public accountants with auditing experience; they must have knowledge of the Uniform System of Financial Records and generally accepted accounting principles, knowledge of budgeting practices and procedures; and knowledge and ability to use enterprise resource planning accounting systems.
For more information or to apply, visit tusd1.org/jobs online.