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The Audit Connection Blog

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A whole new way to envision the same old data: The Financial Intelligence Tool is now available

February 20, 2019

Today, the Office of the Washington State Auditor has struck a blow for the democratization of governmental financial data to Washingtonians; the newly redesigned Financial Intelligence Tool is now available. Our Office collects the annual financial reports of all governments in the state of Washington; we have now made this data accessible and simple to understand.

But FIT is more than a bunch of data—we designed this to be an educational experience, a place to inspire civic engagement and elevate the discourse on government operations. A previously difficult to understand and inaccessible world is now available; all it takes is a click to get started.

Government leaders have a responsibility to the public they serve to provide their information in new and interesting ways; FIT fills this need.

This tool is only the beginning of the conversation, not the end. We welcome your emails with questions, comments, observations and input; we are listening.

Lease agreement being filled out.

Lease accounting changes are coming soon

January 24, 2019

The new accounting and reporting standard regarding leases – GASB 87 – will take effect for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and apply retroactively as if the standard was in place at the beginning of the implementation period. Early implementation is encouraged.

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Employer reporting requirements for other post-employment benefits (OPEB) have taken effect

January 11, 2019

Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 75, Accounting and Reporting for OPEB is effective for the Reporting Year 2018 (this year!). OPEB, or post-employment benefits other than pension, includes benefits such as healthcare provided through a pension plan or separately (medical, dental, vision, hearing, etc.) and other benefits when provided separately from a pension plan, such as: life insurance, long-term care, disability, and more.

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Local governments in Washington know the importance of cybersecurity, but need tools to address concerns

December 18, 2018

The results from our recent cybersecurity survey are in, and they reveal governments of all sizes across Washington recognize the importance of cybersecurity. However, the majority of the governments we polled lack dedicated IT staff, let alone dedicated cybersecurity staff. To address this gap in expertise and resources, the Office of the Washington State Auditor has begun to develop resources, tools and training targeted at the specific cybersecurity issues of local governments.

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