The Audit Connection Blog
Has your government experienced a cybersecurity issue? Here is when and how to report
Some security breaches are required to be reported to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO), and sometimes you need to report various cybersecurity issues to the State Auditor’s Office, too! Of course, we hope you have none, but if you find yourself in this spot – here is some important information that can help you comply with law. ... CONTINUE READING
It’s 2020 – better #BeCyberSmart
It’s that time of year again, when villains, creeps and other dangerous characters are testing the locks and doors in your neighborhood ― virtually. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a chance to be sure you are doing your part to protect yourself and the value data and systems that keep public services working. ... CONTINUE READING
BARS keeper Alexandra Johnson to retire in October
On October 29, 2020, Alexandra Johnson, Assistant Audit Manager for the Local Government Support Team and Queen of BARS, will retire. ... CONTINUE READING
Lessons learned: Schedule 06 and documenting bank reconciliations
We’re jumping into some lessons learned from the 2020 filing season regarding Schedule 06 – Summary of Bank Reconciliations. Even if you don’t file a Schedule 06, these tips are useful when preparing any bank reconciliation, or other schedules or reports. These were identified as the most common areas of emphasis when SAO staff helped clients in 2020. ... CONTINUE READING
Nice To See You, WFOA 2020!
Staff from the Office of the Washington State Auditor are happy to (virtually) join our colleagues here to connect as we all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a lot to share with you. ... CONTINUE READING
'Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.' – RBG, 1933-2020
"I am saddened by the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but truly inspired by her legacy – particularly her full-throated advocacy for women’s rights. ... CONTINUE READING
COVID-19 Guidance Toolkit helps you navigate shifting reporting and accounting landscape
In keeping with our shared commitment to government transparency and accountability, the Office of the Washington State Auditor recently released our new COVID-19 Guidance Toolkit. ... CONTINUE READING
GASB delays implementation of new standards
In May, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) voted to delay implementation of several new accounting standards. The decision by GASB took effect immediately, and came in response to requests by governments across the country grappling with the coronavirus pandemic. ... CONTINUE READING
How to prevent ACH and bank fraud
Automated Clearing House (ACH) frauds have been on the rise for a while, and we want to tell you some simple steps you can take to properly verify ACH and payroll bank account changes before making changes. ... CONTINUE READING
SAO hourly billing rate remains the same
Last year, our goal was to maintain the local audit hourly billing rate for two years, through 2021. Although we did not plan for the fiscal challenges of a pandemic, we have determined that, by changing some of our operations and making internal cost adjustments, we will be able to meet our goal and leave the rate unchanged from 2020. However, if any unforeseen significant costs (i.e., COVID-19 or legislative funding changes) occur that we cannot adjust for, a billing adjustment may be necessary. ... CONTINUE READING