The Audit Connection Blog
Protect your vendor master file from fraudsters
Automated Clearing House (ACH) and other types of payment fraud are on the rise, and bad actors are using vendor master files to do it. It starts with a simple request to change a vendor's contact information, payment address or banking details, and ends it with thousands or even millions of dollars in public funds being redirected to fraudulent accounts. ... CONTINUE READING
Summary infographic of Washington’s 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Download a PDF version of the 2022 ACFR summary infographic. ... CONTINUE READING
Cybersecurity Special Report 2023: Roundup of 2022 audits and other work
Washington’s state and local governments possess countless IT systems that provide critical government services and handle vital and sometimes very personal data. The public expects government to do all it can to ensure that these systems are secure to ensure services are not interrupted, and stored data is not lost, stolen or damaged. ... CONTINUE READING
Preparing your cash basis annual report package? Check out SAO’s updated checklist
We know that preparing your annual report takes a lot of time and effort, especially when there are significant BARS changes. That’s why we created a Checklist for Preparing and Reviewing Cash Basis Financial Statements. ... CONTINUE READING
Washington’s agricultural commissions effective, can do more, audit finds
Local agricultural industry producers believe they benefit from the state commissions that promote commodities from cranberries to beef, and Washington should consider a statewide brand for its homegrown goods, according to a new performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING
More Washington governments accountable to the public in 2022
In 2022, just one new local government fell into unauditable status and three others were removed from the category, continuing progress toward accounting for the public finances of all of Washington’s 2,300 local governments. ... CONTINUE READING
Updated BARS Manuals now available on SAO’s website
The State Auditor’s Office has finished updating the GAAP and Cash Basis BARS Manuals. ... CONTINUE READING
Annual report: How the State Auditor's Office served the public in 2022
As the year comes to an end, we invite you to explore the interactive annual report for fiscal year 2022 below to learn more about our work with local governments and state agencies to ensure accountability and transparency for public resources. ... CONTINUE READING
Employment Security Department partially implemented customer service reforms, audit finds
Responding to a request from state lawmakers, the Office of the Washington State Auditor evaluated the Employment Security Department on a number of measures related to customer service during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... CONTINUE READING
SAO’s recommended reading from 2022
As the end of the year draws near, I want to thank you for your commitment to transparency and accountability. Good government is a shared mission, and I am proud to partner with you in our work. ... CONTINUE READING