(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The City of Colorado Springs recently changed the qualifications for the City Auditor with the goal of increasing the city’s capacity for accountability.

The City said, “Residents of Colorado Springs expect accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources. That is why City Council recently updated the qualifications for City Auditor.”

According to the City, the change shifts the requirement from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). The city said the change does not lower the bar but increases it.

A CPA is trained to prepare and audit financial statements, which the City said is essential, but the City Charter already requires external CPA firms to perform all the city’s financial audits, which is not changing. The City wants the City Auditor role to be different, a position about leadership, not accounting.

The City Auditor would lead a department that conducts performance audits, evaluates risk, and ensures the city government operates with integrity. The job would require independence, vision, and the ability to guide a team in holding the city accountable, according to the City.

The City said that is why the CIA credential matters. A CIA designation is the nationally recognized standard for professionals who lead internal audit functions. The designation is endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Government Accountability Office, and the Association of Local Government Auditors. According to the City, cities across the country rely on it as the benchmark for strong internal oversight.

The City said the change strengthens its capacity for accountability. The City’s finances will still be audited by outside CPA firms, while the City Auditor will provide independent, risk-based oversight of city operations.