05/31/2026
For over a decade Susan Gordon has been making New York and her community better through her work at the State Comptroller’s office. As an auditor in charge in our State Government Accountability division, she leads audits of public authorities including transit, railroads, transportation and finance, to find inefficiencies, recommend improvements, and safeguard taxpayer money.
But for Susan, it’s not all work when you love what you do. She says the office provides a strong work-life balance, allows her to support and mentor her coworkers, and take part in various volunteer opportunities within the agency.
Susan shared more about what she appreciates about working at the State Comptroller’s office.
🔵 What brought you to the State Comptroller’s office?
This is an office of people who care. Not only about ourselves or our pocketbook, but also about the communities we live in. I came here because I care about making a difference and helping bring about change, and OSC gives me that opportunity. It also provides a stable work-life balance, which is also very important to me.
🔵 How would you describe your role and duties?
As the auditor in charge, my role is to facilitate a positive outcome, both for my team and for the auditee. My duty is to perform an independent and objective assessment based on facts, and to be the eyes, ears and voice of the public in helping to make state agencies and programs responsible and accountable to the people of New York.
🔵 What do you enjoy about your work at the State Comptroller’s office?
There are so many things I love about being here. I think when people have a say in what they do, they are more committed to it. So being able to suggest the things we audit makes us feel like we are a part of the bigger picture. It is very rewarding when you see improvements in our communities, in the way people live and in our own lives resulting from the work that we do. In addition to performing the audits, we get to participate in planning, recruiting, training and conducting activities that help promote work-life balance.
🔵 Is there an achievement or project you’re most proud of?
I don’t think there is anything here that I have worked on that I am not proud of. So, trying to single out something would be difficult. For example, I can talk about our audit work on cleanliness in the subways or train signals working better or more transit employees getting health screenings. Or I can talk about the success of our internship program where we have interns tell me how much they enjoyed being here and how much they learned to the point where they want to make their career here.
🔵 What do you find most rewarding?
For me, the most rewarding thing about working at the State Comptroller’s office is seeing the changes that are resulting from the work we do, and the fact that I am never bored. When a report we issued becomes news you know people are listening and you feel an even bigger sense of accomplishment.
🔵 How important is it to coach and mentor others on your team?
When you coach a team member, they learn how to think on their own and come up with ideas and solutions and learn how to work independently. When you mentor you provide knowledge, advice, guidance and direction. One of the things I learned from my dad is that the only time you know something is when you are able to successfully pass it on to others. When others on your team are successful, then you become successful. You can now rely on that person and lessen the burden for all.
🔵 What advice do you have for employees just starting their careers with our office?
My advice is to love and enjoy what you do. Motivate yourself, be involved. Take time to learn about the environment and make your own mark. Get to know your co-workers and learn from them. Make use of opportunities to build yourself.
🔵 What does public service mean to you?
In my role, public service is about promoting accountability and fairness and eliminating fraud, corruption, waste and mismanagement. It is about providing a service to the public that they are not able to provide on their own. Our goal is to protect taxpayers and improve business operations.
🔵 What is your favorite way to unwind after work?
I unwind before and after work, that’s what I call balance. Music and the outdoors is what gets me going, so I need a dose of both before and after work. A little shopping is always good food for the soul too.
Start building a career with purpose! The State Comptroller’s office is hiring for a wide range of open positions. Learn more about our office and apply at osc.ny.gov/jobs.
