The Audit Connection Blog

Updated BARS Manuals now available on SAO’s website

The State Auditor’s Office has finished updating the GAAP and Cash Basis BARS Manuals. ... CONTINUE READING

Annual report: How the State Auditor's Office served the public in 2022

As the year comes to an end, we invite you to explore the interactive annual report for fiscal year 2022 below to learn more about our work with local governments and state agencies to ensure accountability and transparency for public resources. ... CONTINUE READING

Employment Security Department partially implemented customer service reforms, audit finds

Responding to a request from state lawmakers, the Office of the Washington State Auditor evaluated the Employment Security Department on a number of measures related to customer service during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... CONTINUE READING

SAO’s recommended reading from 2022

As the end of the year draws near, I want to thank you for your commitment to transparency and accountability. Good government is a shared mission, and I am proud to partner with you in our work.  ... CONTINUE READING

Public sector jobs like those at SAO offer many benefits worth considering, according to a recent article from the Journal of Accountancy

Whether you’re fresh out of college with an accounting degree, or someone with work experience craving a career change, a job in the public sector might be right for you. According to a recent article published in the Journal of Accountancy (JOA), “accounting professionals working in the private sector should consider whether switching to a career in the public sector could meet their needs for professional advancement and job satisfaction.” ... CONTINUE READING

Curious about which local governments receive WSDOT funding? FIT has the answer

SAO’s latest performance audit report looked at the Washington State Department of Transportation’s contracting processes for tolling. While that audit didn’t involve local governments, WSDOT plays a large role in how they obtain state resources to improve local road systems. ... CONTINUE READING

New tolling system primarily delayed by vendor issues, not state project management, audit finds

Although the Washington State Department of Transportation experienced delays and cost overruns as it developed a new tolling system, the agency followed state requirements and many leading practices, according to a new performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING

After significant fraud, follow-up audit of Pierce County Housing Authority finds improvement, but issues remain

The Pierce County Housing Authority has taken steps to improve its financial safeguards since a $7 million misappropriation two years ago, but more needs to be done, according to an accountability audit released today by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING

BARS Manual updates starting Dec. 12

The State Auditor’s Office will start the annual process of updating the BARS Manuals (GAAP and Cash) on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. ... CONTINUE READING

Audit finds Toppenish School District did not have proper oversight of its expenditures, Superintendent’s pay

Today the Office of the Washington State Auditor released a regular accountability audit of the Toppenish School District, identifying multiple areas of concern related to the Superintendent and wrestling activities. ... CONTINUE READING