The Audit Connection Blog
Newest newsletter focuses on school issues
From time to time, the State Auditor’s Office compiles the articles we post on this blog into our Audit Connection print newsletter, which we distribute at meetings and conferences. Recently, we put together our first print newsletter aimed solely at education professionals. ... CONTINUE READING
Are you ready for lease accounting?
Accounting and reporting standards and guidance for leases are changing for both GAAP and cash basis local governments, effective for fiscal years ending December 31, 2020, and after. Although you won’t be preparing your financial statements and notes until early 2021, those first lease payments under the new standard will begin to flow in January 2020. Will you be ready? ... CONTINUE READING
Using data to visualize the world of fire protection districts
As a follow up to our #Gov101 series on fire districts, let’s take a look at what we can learn about these governments using the Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT)! ... CONTINUE READING
Does your government provide take-home vehicles?
When was the last time you assessed risks related to your take-home vehicle program, or updated your policy? Are you certain the benefits outweigh the costs? To help you navigate these waters, our Office’s Center for Government Innovation has developed a new resource to help you identify and implement best practices over take-home vehicles. ... CONTINUE READING
Washington: Don't lose our number
We believe it’s important to stay in communication at the Washington State Auditor’s Office. That’s why we email you about audit reports, new resources and news you can use. But do you know how to get in contact with us? ... CONTINUE READING
Are you curious how fire districts get and spend their money? Our new #Gov101 video on fire districts has answers.
The second part of our new #Gov101 video on fire districts walks through how fire districts in Washington manage their finances. ... CONTINUE READING
Check out these free cybersecurity resources!
Often local governments cite lack of resources for why they cannot move forward with their cybersecurity program – but did you know there are many resources available at no cost to you? ... CONTINUE READING
What would you do if a cyber attack happened to you?
Becoming the victim of a cyber attack can spark feelings of panic and dread. But maybe if you were fortunate enough to know that this could happen to anyone, and know that your government planned for such an event – maybe you might feel a little less panicked in that moment. ... CONTINUE READING
Five steps you can take to address Ransomware risks
Ransomware is on the rise for governments as a whole. Here are five steps to help your government avoid falling prey to this crime. ... CONTINUE READING
Are you considering everything you should do when employees leave your employment?
At work, staff come and go. However, if user access for a former employee does not get removed, that access could be exploited for undesirable purposes by a disgruntled employee, other staff, or even a hacker. ... CONTINUE READING