The Audit Connection Blog

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

Check fraud: How a seemingly vintage payment method is the center of a trending fraud scheme

In the year 2024, it may feel like we all use checks less and less often. However, checks fraud is actually increasing for both organizations and individuals. Our Special Investigations Team discusses why that is and what you can do to protect yourself and public funds. ... CONTINUE READING

Listen up for an in-depth discussion of fraud prevention with SAO’s Brandi Pritchard on ACFE’s “Fraud Talk” podcast

Join SAO’s Assistant Director of Special Investigations, Brandi Pritchard, on a special edition of ACFE’s “Fraud Talk” podcast as she shares the story behind our Office’s dedication to fraud prevention, from engaging tactics that bring fraud awareness to local governments and the community, to the “trust but verify” approach that underscores our work. ... CONTINUE READING