The Audit Connection Blog
SAO’s Scott DeViney and Stacie Tellers advocate on behalf of Washington's governments in GASB advisory roles
As part SAO's role in promoting accountability and transparency in government, our staff is committed to advocating for continual improvement in the accounting and financial reporting rules that governments follow. SAO's Scott DeViney and Stacie Tellers exemplify this commitment, as demonstrated by their recent participation in GASB advisory roles. ... CONTINUE READING
A new year's worth of data has arrived in the Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT)
Every summer, the majority of the 2,000+ local governments in our state submit their annual financial reporting to our Office which we integrate into our exclusive Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT). The data from fiscal year 2024 has now arrived and is in FIT. ... CONTINUE READING
Improve your cybersecurity without breaking your budget
Cyberattack warnings can leave small local governments stressed and overwhelmed as they try to balance the need for increased cybersecurity and finding funds to pay for it. What you may not know is that help is available to your government at little to no cost, and you can get started today! We’ve identified three important steps you can take to defend your government against cybercrime. ... CONTINUE READING
Add regular testing of your backup file system to your routine
How often are you testing your government’s backup file system? With the rapid rise in phishing and ransomware schemes, make sure to set a regular reminder to perform this critical task. ... CONTINUE READING
Administration of fines for human trafficking and other crimes inconsistent, audit finds
State law imposes mandatory fines on people who commit human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes, and it directs those funds toward local efforts to address the crimes and support survivors. However, a new performance audit by our Office found that jurisdictions in Washington are uneven in assessing, collecting and using these fines. ... CONTINUE READING
Jump-start your government’s cybersecurity program with our updated IT policy guide
IT policies are the foundation of any strong cybersecurity program, and without them, local governments are at a higher risk of security breaches and other harmful cyber incidents. Our guide is designed to help local governments create effective IT policies and jump-start their cybersecurity program. ... CONTINUE READING
State can focus more on building climate-resilient infrastructure to meet energy needs, audit finds
Washington has taken many steps to increase the development of renewable energy infrastructure, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change but these investments are increasingly vulnerable to risks associated with changing climate conditions, such as wildfires and flooding. Our Office reviewed the state’s efforts to adapt these new electricity-generating sites to future risks, and published a performance audit including detailed recommendations. ... CONTINUE READING
A quick tour through more than $20 billion in federal funds
Every year, the Office of the Washington State Auditor conducts a single audit, which examines whether state agencies spent federal funds as expected and complied with federal grant requirements. This audit helps our Office advance its mission of promoting accountability and transparency in order to increase public trust in government. ... CONTINUE READING
Staying compliant: How to manage ASB fund transfers
If your school is experiencing budget shortfalls, it’s crucial to know which funding sources are appropriate to use—and which are not. School districts have various types of revenue, some of which are restricted to certain purposes. These include federal grant awards, levy or bond proceeds and even Associated Student Body (ASB) money. It’s important that districts do not use these funds for general budget purposes. ... CONTINUE READING
Unlock these new features in SAO’s Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT)
Summer is almost here, and with longer days comes an even longer list of new features to explore in the Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT). The newest FIT update brings back fan-favorite features, including tools to better compare your government to others. We’ve also taken your feedback and introduced a clearer way to communicate your financial health indicators. Read on to discover what’s new. ... CONTINUE READING