The Audit Connection Blog
Frequently asked questions regarding a data breach at SAO’s third-party service provider
The Office of the Washington State Auditor uses a third-party service provider, Accellion, to transmit data files in our audits. Accellion had a security incident in December, and announced it in January. On Monday, Feb. 1, Auditor Pat McCarthy announced that among other items, the information from 1.6 million unemployment claims might have been accessed by an unauthorized user. The investigation is ongoing. Here are some questons and answers about this breach. ... CONTINUE READING
Third-party service provider’s security incident compromised Washingtonians’ personal information
A security incident involving a third-party provider of hosted software services, which was used by the Office of the Washington State Auditor, might have exposed sensitive data belonging to Washingtonians. ... CONTINUE READING
Looking back and to the future in Center resources
As we enter the last quarter of 2021, we thought it would be a great time to look back at some key resources and give you a preview of what we're planning next. ... CONTINUE READING
Update: How SAO will audit Washington’s Employment Security Department in light of major unemployment fraud
At the State Auditor’s Office, we’ve heard from members of the public, the Legislature and the media interested to know about the work we are conducting at the state Employment Security Department (ESD). The agency was targeted in a major unemployment benefits fraud scheme earlier this year. SAO is conducting a series of audits of ESD to address three main areas of concern in the unemployment insurance program. ... CONTINUE READING
Auditor McCarthy joins national association’s executive committee
Washington State Auditor Pat McCarthy has been appointed to the executive committee of the National State Auditors Association. The nonpartisan group represents state auditors’ interests in financial management and provides training and resources to professionals in the field. ... CONTINUE READING
These acts of insurrection cannot stand. All Americans must condemn them.
"In light of the horrific attack yesterday on our nation’s Capitol, it is incumbent on every American to condemn these actions. I condemn them in the strongest terms." ... CONTINUE READING
Three small governments declared unauditable; final 2020 tally released
Today, the Office of the Washington State Auditor issued reports declaring three small local governments unauditable, bringing the total of such reports to seven for 2020. ... CONTINUE READING
Annual report takes a 20/20 look at 2020
2020 has been a year unlike any other. However, we at the Office of the Washington State Auditor still have a responsibility to report on what we’ve done this year. We invite you to click through our interactive 2020 annual report in this blog post. ... CONTINUE READING
Single audit alert: Updated guidance for due dates and items reported on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA)
In July, we told you about changes to the single audit due dates and information required to be reported on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). Additional guidance was published in the 2020 Compliance Supplement Addendum on Dec. 22, 2020, by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. As you read through the entire addendum, here are some key items for your attention ... CONTINUE READING
Boost motivation and productivity with a growth mindset
As this pandemic stretches on and we feel the fatigue of remote work, do you need new ideas to help motivate employees working in the remote environment? Here are some suggestions to keep them engaged and productive. ... CONTINUE READING