The Audit Connection Blog
Preparing your cash basis annual report package? Check out SAO’s updated checklist
We know that preparing your annual report takes a lot of time and effort, especially when there are significant BARS changes. That’s why we created a Checklist for Preparing and Reviewing Cash Basis Financial Statements. ... CONTINUE READING
Washington’s agricultural commissions effective, can do more, audit finds
Local agricultural industry producers believe they benefit from the state commissions that promote commodities from cranberries to beef, and Washington should consider a statewide brand for its homegrown goods, according to a new performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING
More Washington governments accountable to the public in 2022
In 2022, just one new local government fell into unauditable status and three others were removed from the category, continuing progress toward accounting for the public finances of all of Washington’s 2,300 local governments. ... CONTINUE READING
Updated BARS Manuals now available on SAO’s website
The State Auditor’s Office has finished updating the GAAP and Cash Basis BARS Manuals. ... CONTINUE READING
Annual report: How the State Auditor's Office served the public in 2022
As the year comes to an end, we invite you to explore the interactive annual report for fiscal year 2022 below to learn more about our work with local governments and state agencies to ensure accountability and transparency for public resources. ... CONTINUE READING
Employment Security Department partially implemented customer service reforms, audit finds
Responding to a request from state lawmakers, the Office of the Washington State Auditor evaluated the Employment Security Department on a number of measures related to customer service during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... CONTINUE READING
SAO’s recommended reading from 2022
As the end of the year draws near, I want to thank you for your commitment to transparency and accountability. Good government is a shared mission, and I am proud to partner with you in our work. ... CONTINUE READING
Public sector jobs like those at SAO offer many benefits worth considering, according to a recent article from the Journal of Accountancy
Whether you’re fresh out of college with an accounting degree, or someone with work experience craving a career change, a job in the public sector might be right for you. According to a recent article published in the Journal of Accountancy (JOA), “accounting professionals working in the private sector should consider whether switching to a career in the public sector could meet their needs for professional advancement and job satisfaction.” ... CONTINUE READING
Curious about which local governments receive WSDOT funding? FIT has the answer
SAO’s latest performance audit report looked at the Washington State Department of Transportation’s contracting processes for tolling. While that audit didn’t involve local governments, WSDOT plays a large role in how they obtain state resources to improve local road systems. ... CONTINUE READING
New tolling system primarily delayed by vendor issues, not state project management, audit finds
Although the Washington State Department of Transportation experienced delays and cost overruns as it developed a new tolling system, the agency followed state requirements and many leading practices, according to a new performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING