Announcements

The Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association resisted audits for years, lost public funds and lacked even basic financial documentation since its inception, the Office of the Washington State Auditor found in two reports issued today.

“Public funds need oversight and they need regular audits. Unfortunately, this is an example of the danger to tax dollars and public trust when accountability is shortchanged,” said State Auditor Pat McCarthy. “I hope it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and independent auditing, regardless of circumstance.”

I want to share an important update with you. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) voted Thursday, May 7 to delay implementation of several new accounting standards. The decision by GASB takes effect immediately, and comes in response to requests by governments across the country as they grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

Take a trip through 2019 with the Office of the Washington State Auditor, tracking public dollars and exploring good government. The annual report this year is entirely digital – one more way we've changed our approach to sharing information during the pandemic.

We provide an objective examination of every government in Washington: every state agency, city, school district and much more. Each year, we issue thousands of reports that detail the results of many different kinds of audits. Let's hit the (virtual) road for a look at the numbers and what they mean.

First, thank you for all of your work over the past several weeks. Because of the efforts of Washingtonians from every corner of the state and every sector of the economy, we have seen hopeful signs in our fight against this pandemic. While we are by no means done, I think all of us can feel a sense of pride in what Washington has accomplished so far.

Second, I want share some guidance and updates from the State Auditor's Office.

The most important advice we are sharing with all our audit clients in state and local government comes down to one action word: document.

The State Auditor's Office has been working hard to find solutions to accommodate statutory and regulatory deadlines governments face, in light of the current emergency situation in our state. In that effort we have reached out to Gov. Inslee, and received assurances from his office, so we can address one issue through emergency declaration.

As all of Washington responds to the threat of COVID-19, I wanted to reach out to our partners in good government and let you know some steps the State Auditor's Office (SAO) is taking related to our audits of state agencies and local governments.

The Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) Manuals for GAAP and cash basis governments have been updated and are available on our website at www.sao.wa.gov/, under “BARS & Annual Filing.”

Beginning in February, several phone numbers for the Office of the Washington State Auditor will change.

Here's what you need to know:

We believe it's important to stay in communication at the Washington State Auditor's Office. That's why we email you about audit reports, new resources and news you can use. But do you know how to get in contact with us?

The Office of the Washington State Auditor recently passed its external peer review, which is a rigorous independent examination of the Office's work conducted every three years.

SAO is proud to have passed all of its peer reviews.

“The national peer review team affirmed the excellent work our auditors do on the public's behalf,” Auditor Pat McCarthy said. “As independent auditors, we understand the value of an objective, outside review. And we are proud to advance the cause of government transparency by sharing these results publicly.”