Governor Terry Branstad announced this morning that Mary Mosiman will be Iowa’s new state auditor. She replaces David Vaudt, who resigned last month to become chairman of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

Mosiman served as Story County Auditor for ten years before Matt Schultz hired her to run the elections division of the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. She is a certified public accountant, which Branstad said was a “major requirement” as he searched for Vaudt’s successor.

After the jump I’ve posted the governor’s press release, containing more background on Mosiman. She will serve as auditor until after next year’s elections. I assume she will become the Republican nominee for state auditor in 2014 as well. I have not heard yet about any Democrat planning to run for that office. Iowa Democrats did not field a candidate against Vaudt in 2006. Jon Murphy launched his 2010 campaign less than five months before the general election.

Branstad names CPA Mary Mosiman as new state auditor

May 13, 2013

Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Ames CPA Mary Mosiman, AGE, as Iowa’s new state auditor, following last month’s announcement by David Vaudt that he was resigning to become the new chairman of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). His last day was May 3.

Mosiman currently serves as deputy secretary of state under Matt Schultz. Her first day is May 13.

“I had two major requirements for Iowa’s state auditor: that the individual was a CPA, and that the individual would adhere to the sound budgeting principles followed by David Vaudt,” said Branstad. “In Mary, we found that and more. She is a talented, passionate public servant who will keep a very close watch over Iowa’s tax dollars.”

Prior to serving as the deputy secretary of state, Mosiman served as the Story County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, from 2001-2010. She is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in accounting.

“I am honored to accept this position, and will do my best to earn the respect of Iowans as well as validate the confidence of the governor,” said Mosiman. “David Vaudt provided an excellent service to Iowans in his role as the ‘Taxpayers Watchdog.’ I look forward to building on his efforts. Working with Iowa’s leaders to maintain sound budgeting principles, communicating state budget information, and providing all the necessary audit responsibilities will be my top priorities.”

Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched their formal search for auditor on April 5, seeking individuals who would adhere to the sound budgeting principles as follows:

• Avoid the use of one-time money for ongoing expenses.

• Refrain from standing appropriations.

• Resist implementing new programs in the middle of the fiscal year.

• Avoid multi-year accelerating commitments.

• Accurately determine state revenue and expenses.

• Align expenses and revenue in the same fiscal year.

• Avoid funding programs through property taxes or fees.

• Reject diversion of funds statutorily authorized for a specific objective to other purposes.

“Mary Mosiman will be a partner in ensuring Iowa’s budget remains stable and predictable,” said Reynolds. “We look forward to working with her as we continue the great progress we have made in closing the state’s $900 million budget gap and building up our cash reserve and economic emergency fund.”

Mosiman and her husband Daniel live in Ames and have four daughters. She is a member of the Iowa Society of CPAs, is a past president of the Nevada Rotary, and is an active member of the Gilbert Education Foundation.