The Audit Connection Blog
Audit of $23.7 billion in federal funds shows overall improvement
Each year, the Office of the Washington State Auditor conducts a single audit – one major audit to examine whether state agencies spent billions of dollars in federal funds in accordance with the requirements set by the federal government. ... CONTINUE READING
Frequently Asked Questions about federal child care funds in Washington state
As the authority on auditing public funds in Washington state, we’ve prepared a webpage of FAQ to address some of the most common questions people may have about federal child care funds. Our goal with this FAQ is to be transparent and informative about the role of the Office of the Washington State Auditor on this issue of public concern. ... CONTINUE READING
State audit shows overall improvement, recommends increased oversight of child care payments
Today the Office of the Washington State Auditor released its massive annual audit of federal funds, which reviewed $23.7 billion in federal funds across 28 programs. Auditors found a general pattern of improved compliance with federal requirements overall. SAO also determined that the state’s system to detect improper payments in child care subsidies has weaknesses that contributed to an estimated $37 million in questionable payments in 2025. ... CONTINUE READING
Explore our new and improved best practices for bank reconciliations
These best practices around the bank reconciliation process can help governments detect fraud and ensure their data and financial statements are accurate. ... CONTINUE READING
Moses Lake School District did not comply with state budget requirements, had declining financial condition, audit finds
The Office of the Washington State Auditor published an accountability audit of the Moses Lake School District today, reviewing a tumultuous period in which the district’s financial condition was in decline. ... CONTINUE READING
Download your copy of the new and improved Segregation of Duties Guide today
Segregation of duties, or separating conflicting duty assignments in your government, can help protect your local government's assets. But which duties do you segregate, and what are your options if you cannot feasibly do this? Use this second edition Guide to help you get started, no matter your size. ... CONTINUE READING
State Auditor’s Office publishes review of investigation into Manuel Ellis death
The Washington State Patrol’s investigation into the death of Manuel Ellis during an altercation with Tacoma Police Department officers in 2020 mostly followed state rules intended to ensure the agency’s work was credible, according to an audit published today by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING
Follow SAO on your favorite social media today!
Did you know you can follow your favorite State Auditor’s Office on your favorite social media? Look for us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, X, Threads and YouTube today. Bonus: We also have our own podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube! ... CONTINUE READING
Annual report filing deadline is approaching—how many local governments have already filed?
Annual report season is here, and we encourage local governments to submit their reports accurately and on time. This year’s filing deadline for local governments with a December 31 fiscal year-end is May 30, 2026. To help track statewide progress, we’re once again publishing a live infographic that updates daily as the deadline approaches. ... CONTINUE READING
Preparing your annual report? Here’s what’s new in SAO’s updated Cash-basis Checklist
This customizable Checklist can help local governments reporting under cash-basis with their year-end process for reviewing financial statements, notes and supplemental schedules. ... CONTINUE READING