The Audit Connection Blog

Save a PDF of BARS today

The BARS Manuals (GAAP and cash) are being updated beginning December 14. During the updates, sections of both online BARS Manuals will be unavailable for use. ... CONTINUE READING

Report on special education published today

Today, we published an interactive report on special education funding in Washington, as authorized under Enhanced Second Substitute Senate Bill 5091. Special education helps about 143,000 Washington students succeed in our school system. ... CONTINUE READING

Turn disruption into momentum for positive change

As a manager, are you using the disruption of the pandemic to just get by or to thrive? Disruption provides you a unique opportunity to advocate for change. In times of disruption, such as the pandemic we’re experiencing now, it can be easier to get employees to make the decision to participate in a change. ... CONTINUE READING

What’s the ‘why’? Understand the purpose of each control to prevent fraud

It’s crucial that each staff member understand not only their day-to-day duties, but what those duties are meant to achieve (the why). However, this concept can be more difficult to apply due to some common missteps in the way we discuss internal controls. ... CONTINUE READING

New checklists help you create strong controls to prevent fraud

Everyone knows a strong system of internal controls is the best way to deter fraud in your organization, or detect it quickly should it occur. But designing and evaluating internal control systems can be overwhelming. So where do you start? ... CONTINUE READING

Bank statements deserve your attention

Failure to perform bank statement reviews might seem like a small oversight, but it could have drastic consequences. Read more to find out some best practices for your review. ... CONTINUE READING

Do your employees and citizens have a way to report concerns?

It’s important that local governments provide employees and citizens with a safe and trusted process for reporting concerns such as potential fraud or misappropriation. Doing so helps you find out about issues and address them promptly, mitigating financial and other negative effects to your organization. ... CONTINUE READING

International Fraud Awareness Week is a great time to update your fraud fighting toolkit

This week, we will highlight resources and important information to help state and local governments update their fraud fighting toolkits. We encourage you to check out these resources and share them with your agency. ... CONTINUE READING

SAO making our outgoing emails cyber-safer

The State Auditor’s Office is changing some of the emails we send every week to better align with cybersecurity best practices. ... CONTINUE READING

Lean Coffee perks up online facilitation

The Center for Government Innovation has been co-hosting Virtual Lean Coffees about once a month to gather Lean facilitators from state and local government so we can learn virtual process improvement facilitation tips and tricks from each other. Another meeting is planned for November, and we would love to have you join us. ... CONTINUE READING