The Audit Connection Blog
Public sector jobs like those at SAO offer many benefits worth considering, according to a recent article from the Journal of Accountancy
Whether you’re fresh out of college with an accounting degree, or someone with work experience craving a career change, a job in the public sector might be right for you. According to a recent article published in the Journal of Accountancy (JOA), “accounting professionals working in the private sector should consider whether switching to a career in the public sector could meet their needs for professional advancement and job satisfaction.” ... CONTINUE READING
Curious about which local governments receive WSDOT funding? FIT has the answer
SAO’s latest performance audit report looked at the Washington State Department of Transportation’s contracting processes for tolling. While that audit didn’t involve local governments, WSDOT plays a large role in how they obtain state resources to improve local road systems. ... CONTINUE READING
New tolling system primarily delayed by vendor issues, not state project management, audit finds
Although the Washington State Department of Transportation experienced delays and cost overruns as it developed a new tolling system, the agency followed state requirements and many leading practices, according to a new performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING
After significant fraud, follow-up audit of Pierce County Housing Authority finds improvement, but issues remain
The Pierce County Housing Authority has taken steps to improve its financial safeguards since a $7 million misappropriation two years ago, but more needs to be done, according to an accountability audit released today by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING
BARS Manual updates starting Dec. 12
The State Auditor’s Office will start the annual process of updating the BARS Manuals (GAAP and Cash) on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. ... CONTINUE READING
Audit finds Toppenish School District did not have proper oversight of its expenditures, Superintendent’s pay
Today the Office of the Washington State Auditor released a regular accountability audit of the Toppenish School District, identifying multiple areas of concern related to the Superintendent and wrestling activities. ... CONTINUE READING
Does your government use electronic disbursements? SAO offers tips and resources for evaluating your cyber fraud risks
The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased dependence on technology and electronic payment networks. This shift has created new opportunities for bad actors to steal public resources and assets from your government. ... CONTINUE READING
Fraud features: A list of movies, television series and podcasts to help you see fraud from all angles
While we may never be true experts in all aspects of fraud, we can work to better understand it. That’s why to round out the 2022 International Fraud Awareness Week, the Office of the Washington State Auditor has put together a list of our favorite movies, documentaries, shows and podcasts to help you understand the many complex sides and angles of fraud. ... CONTINUE READING
Strategies for identifying and combatting time theft in remote work environments
The COVID-19 pandemic required governments and other organizations to adjust their operating structure to a remote environment. For many, this structure became the new norm, and governments continue to operate remotely or in hybrid formats. ... CONTINUE READING
What’s new with SAO’s fraud program
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) recently reported that nearly a third of all fraud cases occur because of a lack of internal controls. When your government has anti-fraud controls in place, you not only increase your ability to detect fraud quicker, but also decrease potential losses resulting from fraud. ... CONTINUE READING