National Hunt For Miami Auditor General To Welcome Exincumbent

By Jacquelyn Weiner
To fill the City of Miami’s auditor general vacancy, commissioners plan to form a selection committee and conduct a national search.

Commissioners opted not to renew former city auditor general Victor Igwe’s four-year contract before it expired in April.

"I do feel after 12 years that we should have a fresh set of eyes," Commissioner Frank Carollo said at last week’s commission meeting.

Mr. Carollo added that not reinstating Mr. Igwe’s contract was not personal and that he’d like to see him apply for his old job.

According to the city’s code, the commission appoints the independent auditor general, "who shall be qualified by education, and have broad experience in auditing, accounting, and management."

Powers of the independent auditor general under city charter include budget and legislative analysis and "financial, operational, compliance, single act and performance audits of city government, officials, and independent agencies."

Commission Chairman Wifredo Gort suggested establishing a committee of audit professionals to evaluate job candidates.

He said it’s important that the candidate selected understands the job duties and that the winner reports to the city commission.

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff agreed that a committee should be established to vet candidates, possibly made up of five certified public accountants.

He also said he wants a national search.

"I’d like to see what’s out there," Mr. Sarnoff said.

In the interim, commissioners discussed appointing the most senior city auditor to supervise staff.

"In other words, we won’t be bound by the four-year contract, but at least we can keep moving," said Commissioner Richard P. Dunn II.

Three auditors who worked under the auditor general are still employed with Miami, officials said, working on existing projects.To read the entire issue of Miami Today online, subscribe to e -Miami Today, an exact digital replica of the printed edition.