The Audit Connection Blog
Lights, camera, fraud! Our list of movies and more will help you see fraud from all angles
Grab your popcorn and settle in. Back by popular demand, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite documentaries, movies, shows and podcasts that provide great insight into real-life fraud schemes and scandals. ... CONTINUE READING
Bank statement review is a top-notch fraud-fighting tool. Here’s how to do it
Many fraud schemes show themselves—boldly or subtly—on the bank statements. If you aren’t sure what to look for in a bank statement, don’t worry! The State Auditor's Office has made a five-part playbook for you to follow. ... CONTINUE READING
Expect the unexpected: SAO releases new guide on protecting unanticipated revenue from fraud
SAO’s has developed a guide to help local governments protect their unanticipated revenues. This resource has best practices and other tips to help you evaluate your internal controls around unanticipated revenue, and how to improve them. ... CONTINUE READING
Not sure how to report a loss? SAO’s updated policy has the answers
State law requires Washington's governments to immediately report known or suspected losses to SAO. We've updated our loss reporting policy with additional information and clarifications to help governments determine what they need to report. ... CONTINUE READING
Preview: Here's what SAO has in store for the 2023 International Fraud Awareness Week
It just wouldn’t be fall without International Fraud Awareness Week, which is why we’re proud to participate again this year! We invite you to connect with us daily on our social media—and our blog—as we pass along helpful tips, tools and ways to help local governments detect, deter and prevent fraud. ... CONTINUE READING
Pandemic-era innovations in K-12 education identified by new performance audit
SAO has released a performance audit that crafted a list of nontraditional teaching methods adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic that might be useful for educators across the state, and also considered how schools might benefit from incorporating similar practices. ... CONTINUE READING
New to government? Our resources for newly elected officials offer some great guidance
Elected officials and members of appointed boards have a lot of responsibility when it comes to understanding their government’s operations. There's a lot to know, and we've put together a list of some key resources to help. ... CONTINUE READING
Local governments can receive a free cyber checkup from the State Auditor's Office
Reducing your local government's risk of a cyber incident is now a bit easier, thanks to a free cyber checkup program offered by the Center for Government Innovation, a service of the Office of the Washington State Auditor. It’s a side of our agency you may not know, a place to provide resources and tools to help local governments innovate and improve, at no additional charge. ... CONTINUE READING
Regular training can help your employees be your first line of defense against cyberattacks.
With regular training, employees can become your government's first line of defense against cyberattacks. This blog post from SAO takes look at the components of cybersecurity awareness training programs and offer tips for building your own. ... CONTINUE READING
You’re the weakest link: How to avoid revealing your government’s sensitive information to hackers
Rather than hacking your government directly, cyber criminals create believable stories to gain your employees' trust using social engineering tactics. This SAO blog post explains how you can increase your employees' awareness of common tactics that should raise suspicion. ... CONTINUE READING