Colorado State Auditor

The Colorado Auditor is an appointed office in the Colorado state government. The auditor's office completes performance, financial and information technology audits of all state agencies and higher education institutions. The auditor is selected by the state legislature after being nominated by the joint Legislative Audit Committee, making him a member of the legislative branch, not the executive.

Current officeholder

The current auditor is Dianne Ray. She assumed office on July 1, 2011, following her appointment in mid-May. Ray's first five year term will end in 2016.

Ray previously served as deputy state auditor and director of the local government audit division. Prior to joining the Colorado auditor's office, she was director of finance and administration for the town of Louisville, CO. Ray claims over 15 years in local government management.

Authority

The state constitution establishes the office of auditor in Article V, the Legislature.

Colorado Constitution, Article V, Section 49

(1) The general assembly, by a majority vote of the members elected to and serving in each house, shall appoint, without regard to political affiliation, a state auditor,

Qualifications

The Colorado Constitution requires the auditor to be a certified public accountant in Colorado.

Colorado Constitution, Article V, Section 49

(1) The general assembly ... shall appoint, without regard to political affiliation, a state auditor, who shall be a certified public accountant licensed to practice in this state...

Appointments

Per Colorado Constitution, Article V, Section 49 of the state constitution, the auditor is appointed by a majority vote of both houses of the state legislature. The Legislative Audit Committee, a joint committee of both legislative houses, recommends a slate of nominees for the general assembly to consider.

Colorado Constitution, Article V, Section 49

(1) The general assembly, by a majority vote of the members elected to and serving in each house, shall appoint, without regard to political affiliation, a state auditor...

Colorado Revised Statutes, 2-3-101

(3) It is the function of the [Legislative Audit Committee]: (a) To examine persons applying for the position of state auditor as to qualifications and ability but without regard to political affiliation and, after consultation with the executive committee, to place the names of the most qualified candidates in nomination before the general assembly for the position of state auditor;

Duties

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) conducts performance, financial and information technology of state agencies and public universities. Audits are performed with an eye towards "reducing costs; increasing efficiency; improving the quality of services; ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information; and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the State's critical computer systems..." The OSA also audits local governments.

Compensation

In 2010, the auditor received compensation in the amount of $145,147. The auditor's compensation is determined by the Colorado Legislative Council's executive committee.

Contact info

Mailing address:
200 East 14th Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303) 869-2800
Fax: (303) 869-2060
E-mail: osa.ga@state.co.us

See also

• Auditor
• Colorado General Assembly

External links

• Colorado Office of the State Auditor