Announcements

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 1, 2022

OLYMPIA – 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.

BARS Manual updates starting Dec. 12

Updated: Dec 12, 2022

The State Auditor's Office will be updating the BARS Manuals (GAAP and Cash) beginning Monday, Dec. 12, 2022.

During the updates, sections of both online BARS Manuals will be unavailable for your use. Once updated, they will be fully available for accounting and reporting guidance related to fiscal year 2022 and forward.

We will notify local government audit contacts via email when the BARS Manuals have been fully updated.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 21, 2022

OLYMPIA – 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.

Among the findings, auditors determined the District:

External peer review finds SAO’s quality controls system, audit procedures meet professional standards

The Office of the Washington State Auditor has passed its external peer review, a rigorous independent examination of the Office's quality control system and audit work conducted every three years.

“We have high standards for accountability and transparency in Washington, and our Office works to uphold those expectations, including in our own operations,” State Auditor Pat McCarthy said. “We welcome this examination and are pleased to have met the high standards of this national group.”

New audit reports find Mason County Fire District officials misappropriated public funds, did not comply with state laws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 20, 2022

OLYMPIA – Today the Office of the Washington State Auditor released a fraud report and audit of Mason County Fire District No. 12, showing almost $70,000 in misappropriated public funds, as well as $95,000 in unsupported expenses.

Auditors also documented an overall disregard for state laws at the District in areas including ethics and conflicts of interest, open public meetings and financial transparency.

Join SAO and your colleagues in person at the 2022 WFOA Conference

For the first time in three years, the annual Washington Finance Officers Association conference will be live and in person Tuesday, Sept. 13 through Friday, Sept. 16 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. As always, the WFOA conference is a unique, once-a-year opportunity to attend valuable training sessions, find out about the latest and greatest auditing and accounting resources, and share tips and advice with financial experts and your colleagues.