San Diego Association of Governments - SANDAG
Annual Salary Range: $72,196.80 - $111,924.80 First Review of Applications: Open until filled. Expected Start Date: November 2025
Description
SANDAG Independent Performance Audit Function
On January 1, 2018, a new California Assembly Bill (AB 805) required the creation of the Audit Committee and an Independent Performance Auditor (IPA) position and Office of the Independent Performance Auditor (OIPA) .
Under general administrative direction of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee, the OIPA has the authority to conduct performance audits of all departments, offices, boards, activities, and programs of the consolidated agency SANDAG. Performance audits are conducted in compliance with generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS). The OIPA also reviews compliance with the agency’s administrative policies, procedures, and local, state and federal regulations including reviews of funding, revenue streams, capital programs, expenditures, enterprise risk management, public bid process, transportation, and other regional planning programs and initiatives that impact the region.
The OIPA serves as the Board of Directors’ oversight function that objectively evaluates and recommends improvements to SANDAG operations. The OIPA is also the official body of SANDAG to investigate allegations of potential fraud, waste, abuse, and gross mismanagement identified by SANDAG staff or other stakeholders.
OIPA prioritizes its efforts through an annual objective risk assessment and by continually monitoring concerns and trends from the Whistleblower Hotline Program.
Role
Under the general direction of the Deputy Independent Performance Auditor, the Associate Independent Auditor performs and assists with audits and reviews of SANDAG activities and programs. OIPA predominantly conducts performance audits.
Typical Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with major course work in public or business administration, public policy, accounting, finance, or a related field. A master’s degree is highly desirable.
A minimum of three years of increasingly professional auditing experience in the areas of administration, operations, finance, performance or management, preferably for a public agency.
Possession of a professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Auditor, etc., is desirable.
Familiarity with the standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Government Auditing Standards and the Code of Ethics developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Knowledge of practices and procedures of enterprise and governmental program accounting, including cost and project accounting and methods of financial control and reporting.
The final candidate selected for this position must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check and credit check.
Benefits
SANDAG offers comprehensive benefits, to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs. Additionally, SANDAG offers the following:
Hybrid work options
9/80 flexible work schedule
Pay-for-performance merit increases
Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya
Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents
Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees
Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
Call (619) 699-1900 or visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag ? for information. Open until filled. EOE.
Full-time
Annual Salary Range: $72,196.80 - $111,924.80 First Review of Applications: Open until filled. Expected Start Date: November 2025
Description
SANDAG Independent Performance Audit Function
On January 1, 2018, a new California Assembly Bill (AB 805) required the creation of the Audit Committee and an Independent Performance Auditor (IPA) position and Office of the Independent Performance Auditor (OIPA) .
Under general administrative direction of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee, the OIPA has the authority to conduct performance audits of all departments, offices, boards, activities, and programs of the consolidated agency SANDAG. Performance audits are conducted in compliance with generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS). The OIPA also reviews compliance with the agency’s administrative policies, procedures, and local, state and federal regulations including reviews of funding, revenue streams, capital programs, expenditures, enterprise risk management, public bid process, transportation, and other regional planning programs and initiatives that impact the region.
The OIPA serves as the Board of Directors’ oversight function that objectively evaluates and recommends improvements to SANDAG operations. The OIPA is also the official body of SANDAG to investigate allegations of potential fraud, waste, abuse, and gross mismanagement identified by SANDAG staff or other stakeholders.
OIPA prioritizes its efforts through an annual objective risk assessment and by continually monitoring concerns and trends from the Whistleblower Hotline Program.
Role
Under the general direction of the Deputy Independent Performance Auditor, the Associate Independent Auditor performs and assists with audits and reviews of SANDAG activities and programs. OIPA predominantly conducts performance audits.
Typical Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with major course work in public or business administration, public policy, accounting, finance, or a related field. A master’s degree is highly desirable.
A minimum of three years of increasingly professional auditing experience in the areas of administration, operations, finance, performance or management, preferably for a public agency.
Possession of a professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Auditor, etc., is desirable.
Familiarity with the standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Government Auditing Standards and the Code of Ethics developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Knowledge of practices and procedures of enterprise and governmental program accounting, including cost and project accounting and methods of financial control and reporting.
The final candidate selected for this position must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check and credit check.
Benefits
SANDAG offers comprehensive benefits, to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs. Additionally, SANDAG offers the following:
Hybrid work options
9/80 flexible work schedule
Pay-for-performance merit increases
Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya
Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents
Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees
Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
Call (619) 699-1900 or visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag ? for information. Open until filled. EOE.
San Diego Association of Governments - SANDAG
Annual Salary Range: $62,337.60 - $117,520.00 First Review of Applications: June 11, 2025 Expected Start Date: July/August 2025
Description
Overview of the Criminal Justice Research Division
The Criminal Justice Research Division is the clearinghouse for crime data throughout the region and is well known for producing high quality research and evaluating important programs with policy implications. Projects include evaluating various programs from multiple agencies regarding substance use, crime prevention, alternatives to incarceration for adults and juveniles, among many others. Research Assistants play an important role in the data collection and analysis process.
Role
The Limited-Term Research Analyst supports the Criminal Justice Research Division through comprehensive data analysis, research design, and quality assurance processes. This role is responsible for analyzing complex datasets, designing research methodologies, and developing actionable insights to inform policy and operational decisions. Additionally, the Research Analyst ensures data integrity, supports documentation and compliance efforts, and delivers clear, data-driven recommendations to stakeholders. This limited-term position provides an opportunity to play a key role in advancing critical criminal justice research initiatives, contributing to evidence-based policy recommendations and impactful community outcomes.
Typical Qualifications
An ideal candidate for this position would be technically skilled (intermediate-advanced level knowledge of programming languages such as Python/R/SQL), organized, having a strong aptitude for analytical thinking and problem solving, and can be relied upon to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain a high level of accuracy are essential. Strong and effective communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively are required for this role.
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public policy, data science, statistics, or a related field.
Advanced degrees will be preferred. A combination of education and recent work experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Strong proficiency in data analysis tools such as Python, R, Power BI, or SPSS.
Experience in designing and implementing research methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to validate and analyze complex datasets.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex data clearly.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality assurance.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Familiarity with criminal justice systems, public policy analysis, and research methodologies is preferred.
Background Check
All employees working in the Criminal Justice Research Division are required to pass a criminal history background check conducted by the San Diego County Sheriff's department and tuberculosis (TB) test upon hire and annually thereafter.
Benefits
SANDAG offers comprehensive benefits, to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs. Additionally, SANDAG offers the following:
Hybrid work options
9/80 flexible work schedule
Pay-for-performance merit increases
Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya
Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents
Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees
Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag ? for more information.
First review June 11, 2025. EOE.
Full Time Temporary
Annual Salary Range: $62,337.60 - $117,520.00 First Review of Applications: June 11, 2025 Expected Start Date: July/August 2025
Description
Overview of the Criminal Justice Research Division
The Criminal Justice Research Division is the clearinghouse for crime data throughout the region and is well known for producing high quality research and evaluating important programs with policy implications. Projects include evaluating various programs from multiple agencies regarding substance use, crime prevention, alternatives to incarceration for adults and juveniles, among many others. Research Assistants play an important role in the data collection and analysis process.
Role
The Limited-Term Research Analyst supports the Criminal Justice Research Division through comprehensive data analysis, research design, and quality assurance processes. This role is responsible for analyzing complex datasets, designing research methodologies, and developing actionable insights to inform policy and operational decisions. Additionally, the Research Analyst ensures data integrity, supports documentation and compliance efforts, and delivers clear, data-driven recommendations to stakeholders. This limited-term position provides an opportunity to play a key role in advancing critical criminal justice research initiatives, contributing to evidence-based policy recommendations and impactful community outcomes.
Typical Qualifications
An ideal candidate for this position would be technically skilled (intermediate-advanced level knowledge of programming languages such as Python/R/SQL), organized, having a strong aptitude for analytical thinking and problem solving, and can be relied upon to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain a high level of accuracy are essential. Strong and effective communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively are required for this role.
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public policy, data science, statistics, or a related field.
Advanced degrees will be preferred. A combination of education and recent work experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Strong proficiency in data analysis tools such as Python, R, Power BI, or SPSS.
Experience in designing and implementing research methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to validate and analyze complex datasets.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex data clearly.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality assurance.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Familiarity with criminal justice systems, public policy analysis, and research methodologies is preferred.
Background Check
All employees working in the Criminal Justice Research Division are required to pass a criminal history background check conducted by the San Diego County Sheriff's department and tuberculosis (TB) test upon hire and annually thereafter.
Benefits
SANDAG offers comprehensive benefits, to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs. Additionally, SANDAG offers the following:
Hybrid work options
9/80 flexible work schedule
Pay-for-performance merit increases
Retirement - Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
Retirement - 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya
Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents
Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees
Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service
Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag ? for more information.
First review June 11, 2025. EOE.