The Audit Connection Blog
Stay Rooted in #GoodGovernment, WFOA 2021!
Hello, #WFOA21! We are happy to see you again this year, even virtually. Since we saw you last, SAO has worked diligently to create valuable tips, training and resources to help you stay rooted in #GoodGovernment. If you can't make it, you can read the highlights in our special Audit Connection newsletter. ... CONTINUE READING
Emerging issue: How to calculate lost revenue for use of federal coronavirus funds
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSLFRF) program, administered by the U.S. Treasury, Assistance Listing Number 21.027. One eligible use of these program funds allows governments to replace lost revenue in order to avoid cuts in their services. ... CONTINUE READING
K&P leadership series: Inspiring a shared vision
What could be more rewarding than creating a strategic vision and leading a unified group into the future? The answer is walking with your group into a future that you designed together. That’s what is possible when you “Inspire a Shared Vision,” which is one of the five behaviors in the Kouzes and Posner (K&P) Leadership Challenge. ... CONTINUE READING
Suspect a loss of public resources? What to expect when working with SAO
When you suspect or detect a loss, it can be stressful and challenging to figure out what steps you should take. SAO is here to guide you on how to handle potential losses; working together with our office will help you decide what steps to take, and hopefully, decrease the stress of the situation. ... CONTINUE READING
State Auditor’s Office releases City of Seattle audit
Today the State Auditor’s Office released an accountability audit of the City of Seattle, which included a review of the city’s contract with Freedom Project and its subcontractor, King County Equity Now. ... CONTINUE READING
What to do after hitting submit: Steps for increasing data-quality confidence
After hours of time and energy, you’ve submitted your annual report for fiscal year 2020. Congratulations! Now you may be asking, “Is there anything more I can do?” Our answer is, “Yes!” ... CONTINUE READING
Washington State Auditor will require COVID-19 vaccinations for staff
Today Gov. Inslee announced most state employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, and he encouraged separately elected officials to adopt the same approach. ... CONTINUE READING
K&P leadership series: Linking Lean and leadership
This article is the first in a series meant to demonstrate how the Kouzes and Posner leadership model connects to Lean principles bringing more success and personal satisfaction to people dedicated enough to follow them both. Today’s article summarizes the five K&P behaviors or practices of exemplary leadership. Future articles will expand on how these practices connect to specific Lean principles to gain followers and improve leadership results. ... CONTINUE READING
Medicaid Special Report 2021: A financial checkup for Washington’s Apple Health
State and federal governments invested more than $14.6 billion in Medicaid – known as Apple Health in Washington – during fiscal year 2020. With one in four Washingtonians enrolled, Medicaid is one of the most important services the state funds. As one of the state’s major expenditures, accountability for Medicaid spending is critical. ... CONTINUE READING
Larger governments struggle with segregating duties, too
It’s easy to assume larger local governments have no problems fully implementing best practices for segregation of duties. While segregating duties can be easier for larger governments with more employees, they can struggle with the process, too. The State Auditor’s Office has some suggestions for navigating challenges on your journey to segregating duties! ... CONTINUE READING