The Audit Connection Blog
A message from State Auditor Pat McCarthy: Guidance and updates from the State Auditor's Office
Because of the efforts of Washingtonians from every corner of the state and every sector of the economy, we have seen hopeful signs in our fight against this pandemic. While we are by no means done, I think all of us can feel a sense of pride in what Washington has accomplished so far. ... CONTINUE READING
Changing your processes and controls? Remember these tips to minimize risk
The coronavirus pandemic likely is forcing you to change how you do your work, such as processing payroll or paying your bills. We understand that local governments need to get the work done, but we’d like to help you manage the risks that can come with new processes. ... CONTINUE READING
Are you a government employee working from home for the first time?
If you’re a government worker who has suddenly found themselves thrown into telework for the first time, the experience can be decentering. Here is a helpful list of tips to keep yourself productive in a virtual environment. ... CONTINUE READING
A message from State Auditor Pat McCarthy: An update on audit-related deadlines
The State Auditor’s Office has been working hard to find solutions to accommodate statutory and regulatory deadlines governments face, in light of the current emergency situation in our state. In that effort we have reached out to Gov. Inslee, and received assurances from his office, so we can address one issue through emergency declaration. ... CONTINUE READING
Tips, guidelines and more for local governments managing through coronavirus
Local governments are navigating many new areas while managing operations in response to coronavirus. We’d like to share some information so that everyone knows where to look for some important answers. ... CONTINUE READING
A message from State Auditor Pat McCarthy: How ‘stay home, stay healthy’ affects SAO
While we continue to analyze the details and impact of his proclamation, the operations of the State Auditor’s Office are largely unaffected by the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Here is what we already have been doing to support our state’s efforts to slow the rate of coronavirus infection. ... CONTINUE READING
A message from State Auditor Pat McCarthy regarding COVID-19
As all of Washington responds to the threat of COVID-19, I wanted to reach out to our partners in good government and let you know some steps the State Auditor’s Office is taking related to our audits of state agencies and local governments. ... CONTINUE READING
Annual BARS updates are live
The Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) Manuals for GAAP and cash basis governments have been updated and are available on our website at www.sao.wa.gov/, under “BARS & Annual Filing.” ... CONTINUE READING
Our updated financial statement checklists have arrived
Do you use a checklist to prepare or review your financial statements? If not, maybe you should! We have updated our financial statement checklists for local governments. ... CONTINUE READING
Pierce County public fraud investigation leads to indictment
In December, we published the results of Washington’s largest public fraud investigation on record. This week, the person we identified as having misappropriated $6.9 million from a local government was indicted on federal charges. ... CONTINUE READING