The Audit Connection Blog
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
Keeping your private data safe: cybersecurity for government
Principal Performance Auditor Erin Laska was featured last week on TVW, highlighting the continued need for cyber security protection of the sensitive public data the state stewards. At the Office of the Washington State Auditor, we take safeguarding the public's data from those who would seek to exploit it seriously. That's why we regularly evaluate both state (see our most recent performance audit here) and local government cybersecurity controls for weakness, as well as make practical recommendations to help governments in Washington solve their cybersecurity challenges. ... CONTINUE READING
When should I use enterprise funds?
Are you reporting your activities in the correct fund type? Local governments should analyze the services they are providing and determine if the fund types used are appropriate. An enterprise fund is a fund that may be used to report any activity for which a fee is charged to external users for goods or services. ... CONTINUE READING
A first-ever comprehensive look at how Alternative Learning Experience programs work in Washington
In 2013, the Legislature asked us to review ALE programs by auditing their finances and measuring student outcomes. Since then, we’ve audited the compliance of every ALE program in the state with more than 10 full-time students. We’ve visited ALE programs in person, interviewed educators and surveyed students and parents. The reports released today meet the intent of the Legislature’s request. ... CONTINUE READING
Performance Center offers tools to help navigate the competitive bidding process
Are you unsure when the formal competitive bidding process is required? The Performance Center recently released two new resources to help local governments determine when they must use a formal competitive bidding process for purchases or public works projects. ... CONTINUE READING
Auditor's Office was well represented at regional auditing conference
The Pacific Northwest Intergovernmental Audit Forum (PNIAF) held its annual training March 15-16 in Victoria, B.C. Auditors came from state, local, federal and provincial audit agencies, representing Washington, Oregon, California and British Columbia. The weather was beautiful and we had a great agenda. ... CONTINUE READING
Local governments remain vulnerable to cyber attack: repost from the New York Times
As local governments in Washington and across the United States deal with increasingly sophisticated attacks aimed at bringing down vital government services residents depend on, the need for careful controls and cyber security measures grows ever more crucial. At the Office of the Washington State Auditor, one of the resources we provide local governments with is helping them increase their cyber security in anticipation of just such events as outlined in the New York Times below. Are you interested in learning more about how we can help? Click here to read cyber security resources. ... CONTINUE READING
Annual reports deadline draws near
May is approaching quickly, and so is the annual report deadline for governments whose fiscal year ends December 31, 2017. These governments’ annual reports are due on May 30, 2018. State law does not provide for any exceptions, so we are available to help you meet the deadline. ... CONTINUE READING