The Washington County Auditor's Office has aced its inaugural external quality control review, conducted by the Association of Local Government Auditors in the week of April 14. Scoring the highest rating possible, a 'pass,' the office proved its compliance with the stringent Government Auditing Standards set by the U.S. Government Accountability Office for the period spanning January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, as per the Washington County Oregon latest press release.
Having never been subject to an external quality review before in its history as an elected office, this achievement is notable for the County Auditor's Office. The standards set, which were adhered to, provide crucial guidance for auditors and audit organizations, ensuring integrity and quality through mandates on independence, supervisory oversight, continuing professional education, and comprehensive reporting, as reported by the Washington County Oregon.
The Association's recent review commended the County Auditor's Office for its robust internal policies and procedures coupled with a competent and professional workforce operating within a supportive work environment. Nevertheless, the audit suggested that incorporating Government Auditing Standard requirements into the County Auditor's section of the County Charter could further enhance its effectiveness and noted the demand for additional support staff, as stated by the Washington County Oregon.
The public benefits from such validations, with the review outcomes offering a reassuring nod that the County Auditor's Office not only produces audits that are up to par but also embraces procedures that are legitimate and sound. For those interested, the office has made the complete peer review opinion and the response from the County Auditor available for perusal through a document that can be downloaded from the Washington County Oregon press release.
