Save a PDF of BARS today
December 2, 2020The BARS Manuals (GAAP and cash) are being updated beginning December 14. During the updates, sections of both online BARS Manuals will be unavailable for use.
… CONTINUE READING → Results for: Announcements
Report on special education published today
December 1, 2020Today, we published an interactive report on special education funding in Washington, as authorized under Enhanced Second Substitute Senate Bill 5091. Special education helps about 143,000 Washington students succeed in our school system.
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SAO making our outgoing emails cyber-safer
November 12, 2020The State Auditor’s Office is changing some of the emails we send every week to better align with cybersecurity best practices.
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Three small Washington governments declared unauditable
October 29, 2020Today, the Office of the Washington State Auditor declared three small local governments unauditable, placing them on the path for possible dissolution. Each of the governments had gone for years without either filing its annual financial reports or cooperating with independent audits, both of which are required by law.
… CONTINUE READING → Guide to unauditable governments: October 2020 update
October 29, 2020Since first reporting on about 40 unauditable governments in May 2019, the number of unauditable governments has been cut by more than two-thirds. As of October 2020, only 11 governments have not submitted financial information by their final opportunity to do so. Learn more by viewing this interactive infographic.
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Join the Center for Government Innovation to discuss resources from the past year
October 21, 2020The Center for Government Innovation is hosting virtual get-togethers to discuss resource it has developed over the past year.
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BARS keeper Alexandra Johnson to retire in October
September 30, 2020On October 29, 2020, Alexandra Johnson, Assistant Audit Manager for the Local Government Support Team and Queen of BARS, will retire.
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GASB delays implementation of new standards
September 18, 2020In May, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) voted to delay implementation of several new accounting standards. The decision by GASB took effect immediately, and came in response to requests by governments across the country grappling with the coronavirus pandemic.
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SAO hourly billing rate remains the same
September 18, 2020Last year, our goal was to maintain the local audit hourly billing rate for two years, through 2021. Although we did not plan for the fiscal challenges of a pandemic, we have determined that, by changing some of our operations and making internal cost adjustments, we will be able to meet our goal and leave the rate unchanged from 2020. However, if any unforeseen significant costs (i.e., COVID-19 or legislative funding changes) occur that we cannot adjust for, a billing adjustment may be necessary.
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COVID-19 Guidance Toolkit helps you navigate shifting reporting and accounting landscape
September 18, 2020In keeping with our shared commitment to government transparency and accountability, the Office of the Washington State Auditor recently released our new COVID-19 Guidance Toolkit.
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