Join Team Harding!
Meet Christopher Harding
Chris Harding is running for re-election as Salt Lake County Auditor because he believes strong, independent auditing is essential to good government. He loves the work of auditing and sees firsthand how it protects taxpayers, strengthens public trust, and improves accountability. While meaningful progress has been made, Chris believes the job is not yet finished. He is committed to continuing to strengthen the Auditor’s Office, expand its impact, and educate elected officials and the public about the vital role professional auditing plays in promoting responsible government.
Experience & Qualifications
Salt Lake County Auditor
Chris Harding brings over 20 years of auditing experience to the Salt Lake County Auditor's office — spanning federal, defense, and local government. He is committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting taxpayer dollars.
Serving as Salt Lake County Auditor since February 2022, Chris Harding has led the office with a focus on fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and public accountability. He oversees audits of county departments, funds, and programs to ensure responsible use of taxpayer resources.
Professional Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) since May 4, 2009
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) since May 6, 2011
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) since January 15, 2012
Education
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Master of Business Administration
Weber State University -
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of Utah
Career Experience
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Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
federal audit oversight -
U.S. Army
internal audit and financial accountability -
Local government
financial auditing and performance review
Why These Credentials Matter
In 2025 the Utah Legislature set new professional standards for anyone who wants to serve as Salt Lake County Auditor, requiring at least one of five recognized certifications: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Management Accountant, or Certified Information Systems Auditor. Chris holds three of the five. That matters because the Auditor's Office does not do just one thing. It runs financial audits, the property tax system, tax rate certification, peer review and quality standards, training for county auditors, and ongoing work with other elected officials and state associations. Three different professional disciplines are already built into how this office runs.
CPA
Certified Public Accountant since May 4, 2009. The foundation behind the property tax system, tax rate certification, and financial statements taxpayers can trust.
CFE
Certified Fraud Examiner since May 6, 2011. Trained to catch fraud and misuse of public funds before it costs taxpayers.
CIA
Certified Internal Auditor since January 15, 2012. The standard behind quality peer review, training county auditors, and evaluating whether county programs are actually working.
Over the last four years this office has put all three to work, from strengthening the property tax system to earning the office's first ever passing peer review. Utah law asks for one certification to serve as County Auditor. Salt Lake County currently has an auditor with three, and four years of results behind them.
New Ideas Matter. So Does Knowing How to Execute Them.
Every office benefits from new thinking, and this one is no exception. But a fresh perspective only makes an office stronger when it is paired with the skill and experience to act on it. Without that foundation, a fresh perspective is really just another name for on the job training, and the finances of half a million Salt Lake County residents are not the place to learn as you go. This office already brings new tools and new methods to the work, from modern audit software to updated review processes, because Chris has spent decades building the technical foundation to know which new ideas actually make audits stronger and which ones just sound good on a campaign website.
20+ Years
Of auditing experience across federal, defense, and local government.
Since 2022
Serving as Salt Lake County Auditor with a focus on fiscal integrity and accountability.
First Ever
Passing peer review for the office, completed years ahead of schedule.
Salt Lake County deserves an auditor who brings fresh thinking to the office because he already knows how to run one, not one still learning the fundamentals while the clock runs on your tax dollars. Experience is not the opposite of fresh thinking. It is what makes fresh thinking safe to act on with your money.
Priorities
Professionalizing the Office
Increasing certified professionals and enforcing higher standards to ensure experienced, qualified leadership within the Auditor’s Office.
Independent Accountability
Acting as a watchdog to identify issues, improve operations, and protect taxpayer resources through effective solutions.
Innovation & Efficiency
Leveraging technology and digital tools to streamline audits, improve efficiency, and enhance taxpayer accessibility and services.
Take Action
Join Chris' Team
Chris has engaged groups such as the Utah Taxpayers Association, Utah Association of CPAs, and local and state lawmakers to solicit ways to improve the office and implement those changes.
ActionFeatured Video
Straight From Chris
A good auditor does not just patch problems. Watch how Chris approaches finding the real cause.