The Audit Connection Blog
Five easy things you can do today to better collect your revenue tomorrow
In this article, we’d like to share some straightforward commonsense advice for billing and collection processes. These best practices may seem obvious to you. However, the devil is in the details – you may find it difficult to perform them consistently. ... CONTINUE READING
State’s backlog of sexual assault kits effectively eliminated, audit finds
A follow-up performance audit from the State Auditor's Office found the Washington State Patrol has effectively eliminated the state's backlog of untested sexual assault kits, and is now testing nearly all kits within 45 days. ... CONTINUE READING
Receiving payments electronically? Protect your bank account information today
To receive payments electronically, most organizations need to share their bank account information with those who owe them money. ... CONTINUE READING
Audit timeliness and collaboration are key to maintaining your government’s bond rating
Maintaining close communication with our Office is key for local governments to achieve cost-effective and timely audits, which are critical to helping governments maintain their bond rating. Our special report, "Three Perspectives: How Audit Timeliness Impacts Government Bond Ratings," provides additional context from which governments can learn more about this critical aspect of their operations. ... CONTINUE READING
FIT gets a data refresh, the return of a popular feature, and a new financial health indicator guide
As the days shorten, the Office of the Washington State Auditor’s Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT) expands, offering users a refreshed set of financial data, new ways to explore statewide revenue and expenditure trends, and a helpful financial health indicator reference guide. ... CONTINUE READING
Introducing SAO’s updated Buying and Bidding Guide
From learning the applicable laws and bid thresholds to getting helpful tips, this newly refreshed resource will help you navigate your next procurement process with confidence. ... CONTINUE READING
Top five fraud reports for 2024: A roundup of notable investigations published this year
Some of the most significant fraud investigations in our Office's history have been brough to light in 2024, and Fraud Awareness Week seemed like the perfect time to revisit them. These cases not only speak to the importance of government accountability and transparency, but also to the value of the resources we offer that can help governments prevent fraud in their organizations. ... CONTINUE READING
Home ownership option found in some tribal housing projects has not yet been used, audit finds
Only 18 of Washington's 1,300 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program projects offer tenant purchase options, but a performance audit from the State Auditor's Office found that as of 2023, none of the 135 eligible homes had been sold and transferred to tenants. ... CONTINUE READING
Interested in becoming an anti-fraud professional? Here’s how to get started
If you’re looking to join the ranks of fraud prevention specialists, our blog post features some great guidance from two of the best: Katherine Robinson, President of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), and Brandi Pritchard, SAO’s Assistant Director of Special Investigations. Learn more about their experience, insight and advice today. ... CONTINUE READING
Purchase cards remain a high-risk misappropriation tool for governments large and small
Purchase cards carry a high risk of fraud, waste and abuse for local governments, as evidenced by several of our recent investigations. This blog post highlights the importance of maintaining strong internal controls, and offers several tips and resources to help governments develop the proper monitoring and oversight to help avoid becoming a victim of a purchase card scheme. ... CONTINUE READING