The Audit Connection Blog
New red flags coming to Schedule 01
You might see some red flags on the Schedule 01 that you haven’t seen before. In previous years, you might have received a yellow flag with the error message: “This BARS account may not be allowable in this fund type.” Starting in 2021 (reporting year 2020), we have changed this yellow flag to a red flag. To help local governments with this new error message, we have compiled a list of all BARS accounts that will be affected and their applicable fund types. Red flags must be corrected before submitting your annual report. ... CONTINUE READING
BARS is under construction
The BARS Manuals (GAAP and cash) are being updated beginning today. During the updates, sections of both online BARS Manuals will be unavailable for use. ... CONTINUE READING
Advisory committee widens representation
Beginning in 2021, the Local Government Advisory Committee, which advises the Office of the Washington State Auditor, will be more representative of government types across the state. ... CONTINUE READING
How FIT are you?
We know local governments face significant challenges this year. The Center for Government Innovation can help governments be well informed when making difficult financial decisions. ... CONTINUE READING
Save a PDF of BARS today
The BARS Manuals (GAAP and cash) are being updated beginning December 14. During the updates, sections of both online BARS Manuals will be unavailable for use. ... CONTINUE READING
Report on special education published today
Today, we published an interactive report on special education funding in Washington, as authorized under Enhanced Second Substitute Senate Bill 5091. Special education helps about 143,000 Washington students succeed in our school system. ... CONTINUE READING
Turn disruption into momentum for positive change
As a manager, are you using the disruption of the pandemic to just get by or to thrive? Disruption provides you a unique opportunity to advocate for change. In times of disruption, such as the pandemic we’re experiencing now, it can be easier to get employees to make the decision to participate in a change. ... CONTINUE READING
What’s the ‘why’? Understand the purpose of each control to prevent fraud
It’s crucial that each staff member understand not only their day-to-day duties, but what those duties are meant to achieve (the why). However, this concept can be more difficult to apply due to some common missteps in the way we discuss internal controls. ... CONTINUE READING
New checklists help you create strong controls to prevent fraud
Everyone knows a strong system of internal controls is the best way to deter fraud in your organization, or detect it quickly should it occur. But designing and evaluating internal control systems can be overwhelming. So where do you start? ... CONTINUE READING
Bank statements deserve your attention
Failure to perform bank statement reviews might seem like a small oversight, but it could have drastic consequences. Read more to find out some best practices for your review. ... CONTINUE READING