Chris Harding
County Auditor, Salt Lake County · Republican
Office held
| County Auditor | Salt Lake County | Source |
On the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot
Chris Harding is a candidate for Salt Lake County Auditor. The ballot lists Chris Harding, Republican.
Everyone on the ballot for this seat
| Candidate | Party |
|---|---|
| Chris Harding | Republican |
| Ali Cloward | Democratic |
Accounting and audit background
Chris Harding is Salt Lake County's auditor. The county identifies him as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner, and describes experience spanning local government, federal work and private industry. The office's stated mission emphasizes independent audits, stronger internal controls and reliable information about county operations. [1]
His campaign lists an accounting bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and an MBA from Weber State University. It dates his CPA credential to 2009, CFE to 2011 and CIA to 2012. Its career account includes federal tax oversight, Army audit work and local-government financial reviews. These career and education details are attributed to his campaign. [2]
Oversight record and peer review
The county reports that its Auditor's Office received a Pass rating in its first Association of Local Government Auditors peer review in 2024. A peer review assesses an audit organization's quality-control system and compliance with auditing standards. It is evidence about the audit function, not a finding that every county program is free of error or misuse. [4]
The scope of the job also extends beyond audit reports. County resources identify the auditor's role in tax-rate calculations, valuation notices and the Board of Equalization. The assessor determines assessed values, while the treasurer handles tax collection; these are distinct responsibilities. [5]
Reelection priorities
Harding's campaign emphasizes more professional credentials within the office, independent oversight, and technology that makes audit work and taxpayer services more efficient. He argues that experience is needed to translate new ideas into reliable audit practices. These are his campaign's priorities and assessment of his record, rather than an independent rating of his performance. [3]
A documented staffing debate
A December 2024 KSL report covered Harding's argument that audit staffing had not kept pace with the county's growing budget. The council made one position permanent and retained another on a temporary basis. County leaders cited a tight budget, and Mayor Jenny Wilson said he had received the staff he requested except for that time-limited position. [6]
The same report described disagreement over how to communicate audit findings publicly. Harding defended the significance of the findings; county leaders questioned the presentation. This is dated context about oversight capacity and public accountability, not a claim about the office's current staffing level. [6]
Profile sources
- Salt Lake County — Chris Harding and Audit Services mission
- Chris Harding — education and experience
- Chris Harding — 2026 campaign priorities
- Salt Lake County — 2024 ALGA peer review
- Salt Lake County — property tax office responsibilities
- KSL, December 3, 2024 — audit staffing dispute and county responses
In the news
- Politics
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