ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Legislative Auditor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of South Dakota

Legislative Auditor

Pierre, SD · On-site

$63K - $109K/yr

Job ID: 35204 - Legislative Auditor Agency: Department of Legislative Audit Location: Pierre Salary: Auditor I - $63,000-$66,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Auditor II - $72 ...

State of South Dakota

Legislative Auditor

Brookings, SD · On-site

$63K - $66K/yr

Job ID: 35204 - Legislative Auditor Agency: Department of Legislative Audit Location: Brookings, Madison, Dell Rapids and DeSmet Salary: $63,000-$66,000 annually, depending on experience and ...

State of South Dakota

Legislative Auditor

Aberdeen, SD · On-site

$63K - $66K/yr

Job ID: 35202 - Legislative Auditor Agency: Department of Legislative Audit Location: Aberdeen, Mobridge, Groton and Ipswich Salary: $63,000-$66,000 annually, depending on experience and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLegislative Auditor Jobs

Legislative Auditor information

See salary details

$41.5K

$78.2K

$125K

How much do legislative auditor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative auditor in the United States is $78,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Legislative Auditor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legislative Auditor, you need a solid background in accounting, auditing principles, and public administration, usually supported by a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with auditing software, data analytics tools, and certifications such as CPA or CIA are typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications enable Legislative Auditors to ensure government accountability, compliance, and effective use of public resources.

What is the difference between Legislative Auditor vs Internal Auditor?

AspectLegislative AuditorInternal Auditor
CredentialsTypically requires a CPA, CIA, or similar certificationsOften requires CPA, CIA, or equivalent certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, legislative bodiesCorporations, private companies, government agencies
Employer & IndustryState or federal government, legislative officesPrivate sector companies, government agencies
Primary FocusAuditing government programs, ensuring legislative complianceEvaluating internal controls, risk management, operational efficiency

Legislative Auditors and Internal Auditors share similar credentials and certifications, but differ mainly in their work environment and focus. Legislative Auditors primarily work within government agencies to review public programs and ensure legislative compliance, while Internal Auditors focus on evaluating internal controls and operational efficiency within organizations. Both roles are essential for maintaining accountability and transparency in their respective sectors.

What are some typical challenges faced by Legislative Auditors when conducting audits of government agencies?

Legislative Auditors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, obtaining timely access to necessary records, and maintaining objectivity in politically sensitive environments. They must balance thorough analysis with strict deadlines while ensuring their findings are clear and actionable for lawmakers. Additionally, auditors frequently collaborate with diverse stakeholders, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills to address concerns and implement recommendations effectively.

What are Legislative Auditors?

Legislative Auditors are professionals who examine and evaluate the financial operations, compliance, and performance of government agencies and programs. They work for legislative bodies, such as state or federal legislatures, to ensure that public funds are managed properly and that agencies adhere to laws and regulations. Their audits help promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations. Legislative Auditors often present their findings and recommendations to lawmakers to support informed decision-making.
More about Legislative Auditor jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Legislative Auditor jobs? The top employers for Legislative Auditor jobs are:
What states have the most Legislative Auditor jobs? States with the most job openings for Legislative Auditor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Legislative Auditor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Legislative Auditor jobs are:
Legislative Auditor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legislative Auditor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,163 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Legislative Auditor

State of South Dakota

Pierre, SD • On-site

$63K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

State Of South Dakota rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states

Job description

Job ID: 35204 - Legislative Auditor
Agency: Department of Legislative Audit
Location: Pierre
Salary:
Auditor I - $63,000-$66,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Auditor II - $72,500-$79,500 annually, experience required and depending on qualifications.
Auditor III - $81,500-$109,000 annually, experience required and depending on qualifications.
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
This is a Full-Time 40 Hour Weekly position with the Department of Legislative Audit. For more information on the Department of Legislative Audit, please visit https://legislativeaudit.sd.gov.
Are you looking to take your career to the next level? If so, explore a career with the Department of Legislative Audit.
Legislative Audit is looking for a motivated and skilled individual to perform audits of various state agencies and departments.
With Legislative Audit, you would be a part of a group of professionals that are dependable, focused on details, motivated, and recognized for our integrity and high-quality work.
Legislative Audit is a non-partisan agency which is responsible for auditing state and local governmental entities and oversight of state government. Legislative Audit strives to deliver on our mission to make government work better. We believe our success as an agency depends on finding opportunities for employees to accomplish our agency's goals and answer challenges to make things better.
We want every member of our team of professionals to be excited to come to work every day and be challenged. Through dedicated hard work and commitment, every Legislative Audit employee accepts personal responsibility to accomplish and uphold our mission.
Major responsibilities will include:
  • Work well individually and in a team environment.
  • Produce neat, concise, logical, and well-supported work product that comply with auditing standards and best practices.
  • Contribute to a results-oriented culture through active participation in meetings and collaboration with coworkers.
  • Ensure that written and verbal communications are clear and easily understood by all clients, such as the legislature, state agencies, local governing bodies, elected officials, the citizens of the State of South Dakota and the federal government.
  • Show initiative and seek opportunities for innovation and increased efficiency to improve and support the mission to make government work better.

Qualifications:
Legislative Auditor I:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration. Other combinations of education and experience, if evaluated as equivalent, may qualify an applicant for consideration.
Candidatesare notrequired to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for employment. We do encourage, and assist, our professionals in obtaining further certifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Investments and Derivatives Auditor (CIDA) and other professional certifications.
Legislative Auditor II:
Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields. 2 to 3 years' experience in auditing, information technology/systems auditing, financial analysis, accounting, or other relevant fields. Candidatesare notrequired to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for employment.
However, certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Investments and Derivatives Auditor (CIDA) may substitute for experience.
Legislative Auditor III:
Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields. 4 to 6 years' experience in auditing, information technology/systems auditing, financial analysis, accounting, or other relevant fields. Candidatesare notrequired to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for employment.
However, certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Investments and Derivatives Auditor (CIDA) may substitute for experience.
Knowledge of the following would be beneficial for an Auditor I, Auditor II and Auditor III:
  • Microsoft Excel, Word, and other desktop tools
  • Governmental Accounting
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and Governmental Auditing Standards

Benefits beyond the paycheck:
  • Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
  • Sick Leave (14 days per year)
  • Paid Family Leave (up to twelve weeks of additional leave due to birth or adoption of a child)
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Health Insurance ($0 employee-only premium option)
  • Well-Being Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employees)
  • Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System (a top-rated public retirement system)
  • Longevity Pay
  • Semimonthly Pay Periods
  • Moving allowance of up to $15,000 may be available

Additional Requirements: To be considered, attach your cover letter, resume, and college transcript with application.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3PV
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

What State Of South Dakota employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply