The Audit Connection Blog
Changes to fiduciary reporting take effect soon
Last fall, we posted an article strongly encouraging governments to start evaluating activities that might be classified as fiduciary activities under the Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s (GASB) recently issued Statement No. 84. The changes to fiduciary activity reporting are right around the corner – effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 – and affect not only governments that report under generally accepted accounting principles, but those that report using the cash-basis accounting model as well. ... CONTINUE READING
Local audit billing rate to rise in 2019
As you may have seen in Auditor Pat McCarthy’s letter Monday, the State Auditor’s Office is adjusting the hourly local audit billing rate in 2019. For further information, here are some background facts on the Office’s rates, plans and budget. ... CONTINUE READING
How Benton-Franklin Health District used Lean to make its immunization process work better
The Benton-Franklin Health District building is a clean, modern facility, shining brightly from its location tucked behind a shopping center and other businesses. The waiting room is spacious, and the interior brims with helpful pamphlets about preventing common diseases, staying healthy and knowing when to visit your doctor. The facility is designed to put clients at ease as they wait for their appointments. Health District employees care about their clients and have designed their space around their clients’ comfort. ... CONTINUE READING
When it comes to cybersecurity experts, our Office boasts some of the best
Photo courtesy of the Washington Army National Guard In early July, our Senior IT Security Specialist Sunia (Lulu) Laulile (pictured)participated in the International Collegiate Cyber Defense Invitational at Highline College in Des Moines, Washington. In this exercise, Lulu's team attacked the systems the students were defending. You can read more about this event on the Washington Army National Guard's blog. ... CONTINUE READING
Auditor's Office effort spurs clarification of Energy Independence Act rules
The Act requires electric utilities with at least 25,000 customers to use renewable energy for part of their electricity supply. A utility whose retail power sales have not grown may choose to use a compliance method that allows it to use or invest in less renewable energy than the law would otherwise allow. The utility could continue to use the energy it purchased from resources such as hydroelectric, nuclear or fossil fuel. ... CONTINUE READING
The Complaint Resolution Unit within the Aging and Long-term Support Administration receives a State Auditor's Office Stewardship Award
Department’s Complaint Resolution Unit (CRU) and field operations within the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration made significant improvements to resolve a long-standing audit finding and improve services to its clients. ... CONTINUE READING
How is federal money spent in Washington? Explore the 2017 SWSA summary plus data visualization
In 2017, Washington state spent more than $17.5 billion in federal money. Each year, the State of Washington Single Audit (SWSA) examines whether state agencies complied with federal requirements for those funds. As a whole, the state does meet those requirements. Today, we published our summary of the longer, more comprehensive report, together with an interactive data visualization available on our website. Please check it out, and let us know what you think in the comments. ... CONTINUE READING
Whatcom Transportation Authority receives State Auditor's Office Stewardship Award
The Office of the Washington State Auditor is pleased to recognize Whatcom Transportation Authority as an outstanding example of commitment to safeguarding public resources. Authority management has consistently demonstrated dedication to proactive risk evaluation and resolution, compliance with applicable requirements, transparency and an attitude that invites our Office’s guidance, especially during the audit process. ... CONTINUE READING
Congratulations on your State Auditor's Office Stewardship Award Bellingham School District No. 501
State Auditor Pat McCarthy was pleased to recognize Bellingham School District on June 20, 2018 as an outstanding example of commitment to safeguarding public resources. District leadership has consistently demonstrated dedication to risk evaluation and resolution, compliance with applicable requirements and transparency, especially during the audit process. ... CONTINUE READING
Come try our new, improved Local Government Financial Reporting System
As a part of our continuing commitment to making information about local government operations around the state more transparent and accessible, we have updated the look and feel of our Local Government Financial Reporting System, or LGFRS. Our Office has long provided unaudited financial data filed by local governments on our website via LGFRS. This same tool has a new look and is now even easier to use and understand. ... CONTINUE READING