The Audit Connection Blog
SAO’s updated guide can help you implement new accounting standards
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) releases new accounting standards nearly every year, and local governments have to evaluate and implement them. While each standard is different, the best practices for implementation are the same. That’s why we’ve updated our Best Practices for Implementing Accounting Standards to guide you through the process. ... CONTINUE READING
Reconnecting with our partners in accountability at WFOA 2022
Hello, WFOA 2022! The State Auditor’s Office is excited to be reconnecting with our partners in government accountability at the first in-person WFOA annual conference in three years. We’re bringing our ‘A’ (audit) game this year with four pre-conference trainings and 13 sessions. If you can't make it, you can read the highlights in our special Audit Connection newsletter. ... CONTINUE READING
Director Collins named Outstanding Leader by Washington Society of CPAs
SAO’s Director of Local Audit Kelly Collins, a 30-year SAO employee and certified public accountant, was recently named a 2021-2022 Outstanding Leader by the Washington Society of CPAs. ... CONTINUE READING
Reporting a known or suspected loss to SAO? Be ready for a few new questions
When your government becomes aware of a known or suspected loss of public funds, state law requires that you immediately report it to the State Auditor’s Office. If you’ve reported a loss in the past and are coming back to report something new, you may notice some new questions on the reporting form. ... CONTINUE READING
Join SAO and your colleagues in person at the 2022 WFOA Conference
For the first time in three years, the annual Washington Finance Officers Association conference will be live and in person Tuesday, Sept. 13 through Friday, Sept. 16 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. You can rest assured SAO will be bringing its ‘A’(udit) game with a variety of informative presentations. ... CONTINUE READING
New performance audit finds reduction in test sites, long delays are barriers for prospective home care aides
The Office of the Washington State Auditor’s new performance audit – I-1163: Addressing testing barriers for home care aides – found that home care aides face several barriers to becoming certified, including access to fewer tests sites and long testing delays. ... CONTINUE READING
SAO’s audit billing rates for 2023
SAO evaluates billing rates each summer, planning for the coming calendar year and accounting for legislative changes and other factors. The rate adjustment for 2023 is related to increased costs of both salaries and benefits. ... CONTINUE READING
Are your ACH internal controls strong enough to protect you from fraudsters? SAO has a new resource to help you
Fraudsters can impersonate your employees and vendors to redirect Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments meant for payroll direct deposits or vendor payments. You need to stay vigilant and ensure your government has strong internal controls. To help you, SAO has developed a new guide that offers advice on developing ACH payment process policies and employee training, establishing a verification process, and monitoring for unauthorized payee account changes. ... CONTINUE READING
Preparing your school district’s annual report? SAO’s updated tool can help
It’s that time of year when school districts begin preparing their financial statements. And, as we do every September, we updated our Checklist for Preparing and Reviewing School District Financial Statements to help you get ready. The 2021-2022 tool includes new questions on lease accounting, recording transactions as they occur, and non-routine events. ... CONTINUE READING
SAO is transitioning to SecureShare on Sept. 1
Earlier this summer we announced SAO would be phasing in SecureShare, our new data-sharing tool for audits. Starting Sept. 1, SecureShare will be our primary tool for exchanging audit information with state and local governments. ... CONTINUE READING