Filing training and other resources
The State Auditor's Office (SAO) provides training to local government staff to help them file their annual report and to provide classes in finance, budgeting, accounting, reporting and other relevant fields.
| Quick Links |
| Annual BARS Update Training |
| Annual Filing Workshops and Training |
| eLearnings |
| In Person Trainings |
Annual BARS Update Training
The Annual BARS Update webinars occur in the fall each year. The webinars are a no-cost, CPE eligible training offered by SAO's Local Government Support Team. Webinar topics include accounting and reporting updates coming to the BARS Manuals, annual report filing changes, new BARS codes, and more.
Webinar recordings of the 2022 BARS Updates can be found in the eLearnings section below.
Annual Filing Workshops and Training
The annual report deadline is 150 days after a government's fiscal year end. Annual reports for governments whose fiscal year end is December 31, 2022 are due by May 30, 2023.
Webinars
These webinars will provide an overview of annual report components and a walk-through of the online reporting system.
2023 webinar recordings of the fiscal year 2022 filing system overview can be found in the eLearnings section below.
One on One Workshops
We offer one-on-one filing workshops for local governments that have started the filing process and have specific questions. The workshops will be virtual, using video or conference call services.
Local governments will be able to register for a one-hour time slot for individualized assistance.
Information on the 2024 One on One Workshop registration the fiscal year 2023 filing season will be available in early 2024.
Filing support
For assistance or filing support please contact LGCSFeedback@sao.wa.gov or call the voicemail line (564) 201-2975.
eLearnings
The State Auditor's Office is pleased to offer free, web-based training.
Open for registration
- New live webinars coming soon!
Recorded eLearning
- What's coming to BARS in 2023
- Visit the BARS 2023 project page for the introductory video on Subscription Based Information Technology Arrangements (SBITA) and Public-Private and Public-Public Partnerships (PPP).
- What's coming to BARS in 2024
- Visit the BARS 2024 project page for the introductory videos on changes to accounting and reporting related to Accounting Changes and Error Corrections and Compensated Absences.
- 2022 BARS Update *Added November 14, 2022*
- This is a recording of the 2022 BARS Update webinar recording from October 2022. This 100 minute recording with SAO's Local Government Support Team provides updates on the changes coming to the BARS Manuals in December 2022, including important accounting and reporting updates that effect GAAP and Cash governments, annual report filing changes, and more. The second half of the recording will provide training on the leases changes that are effective for fiscal year 2022 accounting and reporting.
- 2022 BARS GAAP Update (eLearning runs 1:41, Leases begins at 0:49)
- 2022 BARS Cash Update (eLearning runs 1:46, Leases begins at 0:50)
- 2021 BARS Update
- This training is a recording of the October 2021 webinar for the 3rd Annual BARS Updates for GAAP and Cash Basis BARS, including information on Landfill closure vs. Pollution Remediation vs. Asset Retirement Obligations, Fiduciary Activities, BARS Coding changes, annual filing updates, and more.
- 2021 BARS GAAP Update (eLearning runs 1:58)
- 2021 BARS Cash Update (eLearning runs 1:55)
- Annual Online Filing System webinar *Added April 3, 2023*:
- This video is designed for new users or local governments who would like a refresher on how to use the online reporting system. This webinar will include an overview of the annual report's components and a walk-through of the online reporting system, applicable for Fiscal Year 2022 filing.
- Annual Online Filing System for Cash (eLearning runs 1:52:45)
- Annual Online Filing System for GAAP (eLearning runs 1:55:22)
- Lease Recordings
- GAAP Leases, as of August 2021 (SAO eLearning runs 53:51)
- Cash Leases, as of August 2021 (SAO eLearning runs 56:45)
- Covers the changes to governmental lease accounting and reporting for both GAAP and Cash BARS basis governments.
- OPEB for Cash Basis Governments (eLearning runs 41:00)
- This webinar covers the Other Post-Employment Benefits reporting requirements, resources, and tools available for Cash Basis local governments.
- Pension Calculations for Cash Basis Governments – DRS Plans (eLearning runs 21:58) *New! Added January 18, 2023*
- This video demonstrates how cash basis governments can use the SAO Cash Pension Worksheet to calculate their net pension liabilities and net pension assets for their pension plans administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
- Schedule 06: Bank Reconciliations for Cash Basis Governments (eLearning runs 1:25:20)
- This webinar covers the Schedule 06 reporting requirements, resources, and tools available for Cash Basis cities, towns, and counties.
- Schedule 20: Sales and Use Tax for Public Facilities – Rural Counties (eLearning runs 11:31)
- This webinar provides an overview of the changes made to the Schedule 20 (Schedule of Sales and Use Tax for Public Facilities). These changes are applicable for fiscal year 2022. For Rural Counties only.
Not finding what you are looking for? Check out other eLearnings available on our Improving Training Videos page.
Training Classes
Register for training classes in finance, budgeting, accounting, reporting and other relevant fields through WFOA's Non-Conference Training page.
For more information or questions regarding any of the trainings listed above contact LGCSFeedback@sao.wa.gov.