Office of Audit & Control

Mission

The Office of Audit and Control provides independent oversight of the City’s operations to ensure our government is being transparent, efficient, and effective. The Chief City Auditor reports directly to Albany residents.

Responsibilities

The Office of Audit and Control conducts performance audits of all City offices and departments, audits the City’s investments, and certifies the validity of accounts payable.  Article VI, Section 602 of the City Code is the source of the responsibilities of the Office of Audit and Control.

Audits are conducted to answer questions such as these:

  • Are City programs accomplishing their missions and achieving the desired results?
  • Are funds being spent legally, and is accounting for them accurate?
  • Are programs in compliance with applicable laws and regulations?
  • Are there better ways of achieving program objectives at lower costs?
  • Are there ways to improve the quality of service without increasing costs?
  • Do opportunities exist to eliminate inefficient use of public funds and potential waste?
  • What emerging or key issues should the Mayor and the Common Council consider?

About Chief City Auditor Sam Fein

Sam Fein’s career has been shaped by a commitment to making government work better for the people it serves. From 2016 through 2025, he served as an Albany County Legislator, focusing on advancing bold, people-centered solutions to challenges like housing affordability and long-term community disinvestment. 

Sam brings experience spanning city, county, and state government to the role of Chief City Auditor. Earlier in his career, he worked in Albany’s City Auditor Office, where he gained firsthand insight into city operations and the critical role audits play in making government more accountable and responsive to the people. Most recently, Sam helped shape and advance public policy at the state level as a Policy Director in the New York State Senate.

Sam’s ties to Albany date back to the early 20th century. His great-grandfather grew up on Delaware Avenue, and his family built small businesses in the city’s South End, where Sam has lived for the past nine years. Sam draws his inspiration for public service from his grandfather, Rashi Fein, a lifelong champion of universal single-payer healthcare. His grandfather’s call to “mend the crack on the Liberty Bell” and extend America’s promise of liberty to all of its inhabitants continues to shape Sam’s belief in building a society that truly offers opportunity to everyone.

Sam grew up in Massachusetts and came to the Capital District in 2008 to attend Union College, where he earned a BA in Political Science. He later earned his Master of Public Administration from UAlbany’s Rockefeller College. This academic foundation, combined with years of hands-on public service, informs his data-driven, problem-solving approach to governance.

Sam is excited to bring his vision to the City Auditor’s Office, one grounded in transparency, accountability, and public trust. He sees the office as a way to help residents understand how city government works, ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively, and make sure city government delivers real results to address Albany’s most pressing challenges.

Sam brings a clear vision to the City Auditor’s Office, one grounded in transparency, accountability, and public trust. He sees the office as a tool to help residents understand how city government works, ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively, and make sure city government delivers real results to address Albany’s most pressing challenges.