Fort Smith internal auditor search may be down to two candidates

The City of Fort Smith may be down to two candidates in the lengthy and bumpy search for director of internal audit, according to Director Lee Kemp, who is the liaison for the Fort Smith Board of Directors in the hiring effort.

The director of internal audit is only one of two top city jobs directly hired by the board, with the other being the city administrator. The board in April was forced to reverse its decision to hire Rebecca Cowan as internal auditor when it was discovered she faced felony charges. The salary set for Cowan was $110,000.

The position has been vacant since April 1, 2024, when Tracey Shockley resigned after nine years with the city.

Board members on July 8 interviewed Amanda Strange. According to her LinkedIn profile, Strange has more than 17 years of experience “in accounting and assurance services.”

“As an audit director with Fovis Mazars, I work with Commercial Services clients to provide audit and consulting services,” Strange noted in her profile. “I work with several clients in the energy sector but also have a broad client base that includes employee benefit plans.”

Strange left Forvis on June 20.

The board on Tuesday (July 15) was set to interview James Carter and Jason Mitchell in executive session. However, Mitchell did not show up for the interview, Kemp said.

Miles Crawford, regional development manager with DPI Staffing, the agency helping Kemp with the auditor candidate search, said in a memo to Kemp that Carter is a “solid candidate.”

“He brings a wide range of experience in auditing, including work with DHS and time in the military. He’s thoughtful, sharp, and would approach the role with discipline and professionalism. While he doesn’t currently hold a CPA or CIA, he’s very open to pursuing those certifications,” Crawford wrote.

Crawford also noted in the same memo that Strange would be his top choice.

Mitchell, who lives in Greenwood, worked for then Van Buren-based USA Truck as a senior internal auditor from April 2013 to April 2019, and worked in internal controls/tax accounting for OK Foods between September 2020 and April 2022. His work experience also includes accounting controller for Nationwide Property Management, and internal audit manager for My HR Professionals in Van Buren.

Kemp said Tuesday no other interviews are planned, but the board is open to more interviews if a quality applicant responds to the job postings. Kemp said the plan is that the city’s audit committee will now interview Carter and Strange, but no dates have been set for the interviews. He also said he would like to see a person hired within the next 45 to 60 days.