The Audit Connection Blog
Better data, documentation needed to ensure consistency in public land lease rates for docks, shellfish farming and more
The State Auditor's Office has released a performance audit of how the Department of Natural Resources sets aquatic land lease rates for two lease types favored in state law. The audit found DNR’s processes supported consistency in rate-setting for water-dependent uses, but that it lacked documentation to reliably demonstrate it followed consistent procedures in other leases. ... CONTINUE READING
Are your federal program reports accurate, complete and on time? Here are tips to improve your odds
Almost every federal program requires recipients to file reports, which could include financial, performance and other special purpose reporting. Awarding agencies rely on these reports to ensure recipients used federal funds to achieve program objectives, which helps them make future funding decisions. ... CONTINUE READING
Bookkeeper misappropriated funds from seven Yakima-area governments, auditors find
The State Auditor's Office has published a fraud report that found several irrigation and drainage districts near Yakima hired the same bookkeeper who misappropriated public funds through a variety of schemes. ... CONTINUE READING
State Auditor Pat McCarthy celebrates International Women's Day
As Washington’s first woman elected Washington State Auditor, Pat McCarthy joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day today, March 8, 2024. ... CONTINUE READING
Pierce County Superior Court Clerk’s Office lacked financial controls, safeguards for trust accounts, audit finds
An accountability audit of the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk’s Office found a significant lack of controls over financial operations, including taking not action to pay out several large accounts held in trust. ... CONTINUE READING
Read our updated best practices for tracking capital assets – it’ll help you for years to come
The State Auditor's Office has updated its Best Practices for Tracking Capital Asset Information. This updated resource includes time-saving ideas, suggestions for internal controls, different ways to record capital assets, and much more. ... CONTINUE READING
Housing authority still without adequate financial controls, audit finds
A recent audit from the State Auditor's Office found the Pierce County Housing Authority needs to prioritize better financial controls to reduce the risk of another loss of public funds. ... CONTINUE READING
Are you applying for new federal awards? Know the strings attached
This blog post from the State Auditor's Office poses 10 questions that local governments should consider before applying for and accepting a new federal award. ... CONTINUE READING
Capital gains tax, Climate Commitment Act: See how these programs affected Washington's bottom line in fiscal year 2023
The 2023 ACFR infographic provides a snapshot of Washington's finances, including new revenues generated by the capital gains tax and Climate Commitment Act. ... CONTINUE READING
Planes, trains and travel expenses: Upgrade your government’s internal controls with our updated resource
The State Auditor's Office has released its guide on best practices for travel expenses and other reimbursements. The updated guide includes a new section on common fraud schemes. ... CONTINUE READING