Office of the Legislative Auditor - Financial Audit Division

Audit Internship Opportunity

The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA), Financial Audit Division, is now accepting applications for paid student internships.  Audit interns enjoy rewarding work and encounter a variety of financial activities, programs, and people.

Audit interns examine a variety of financial areas in state government.  Typical duties require an intern to:

• Evaluate and test internal controls.
• Perform legal compliance testing.
• Audit financial statements.
• Analyze transactions and financial activity.
• Test accuracy and determine data integrity.
• Document audit evidence in work papers.
• Draft audit findings.

Internships include:

• Training and experience using basic audit skills, like interviewing and data analysis.
• Guidance by experienced audit supervisors.
• Conducting audits of diverse and complex government agencies and programs.

Applications received from this posting may be used to fill summer 2022 and fall 2022 semester internships.  Internships generally require one to work up to 40 hours per week; schedules are flexible and based on both the needs of OLA and the needs of the intern.  Audit interns are paid $17 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications
To be considered, a candidate must:

• Submit a cover letter.
• Be a third- or fourth-year student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university obtaining a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting.
• Receive academic credit for internship.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without needing sponsorship for an employment visa (e.g., H1B status).

Preferred Qualifications
Applicants who meet the above requirements will be further evaluated based on the following:

• Knowledge of accounting and auditing principles as evidenced by academic coursework or related work experience.
• Problem-solving skills and organizational/planning skills necessary to perform the duties of the internship.
• Communication skills necessary to interact with coworkers and other state agency staff in a professional and effective manner, including the ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Computer skills, including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

Additional Requirements

• We will review cover letters and resumes to identify applicants meeting minimum and preferred requirements.  Selected applicants will go through an interview process and will be required to submit education transcripts and employment references.  At the time of the interview, we may ask applicants to respond to a writing prompt. 
• We will conduct background checks prior to any employment offer.  Personal integrity is an essential qualification to work at OLA, and certain violations of ethical or legal standards relevant to being an auditor at OLA may disqualify an applicant.
• Due to the nonpartisan nature of our office, applicants with extensive prior partisan work experience may be disqualified.

Why Work for Us
Meaningful work. OLA helps to improve state government by promoting good management in state agencies and enhancing program effectiveness.  

Flexible schedules.  We offer a flexible schedule Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the ability to work up to ten hours on a work day, reducing hours worked another work day.  We also offer the opportunity to regularly telecommute.

OLA values the unique contributions that candidates with diverse experiences, knowledge, and backgrounds can bring to our work.

How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter with their resume through the state’s Careers website.  You may do this by uploading the documents as a single file attachment, or uploading the cover letter separately from the resume.  If you have questions about applying for jobs, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.  

Audit Intern – Job ID 53127 (Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. on August 1, 2022.)

Contact for More Information
If you have job-specific questions, contact Lori Leysen at Lori.Leysen@state.mn.us or 651-295-0118.  For benefits-related questions, contact Shelly Gilb at Shelly.Gilb@state.mn.us or 651-296-1730.