North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office Lauded with Award of Excellence for Sterling Fiscal Audit

In a move that highlights exceptional fiscal management, the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO), which falls under the purview of the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), has been distinguished with the Award of Excellence by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor. Recognized for its meticulous single audit of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for the fiscal year 2024, NCPRO stands out as a paragon of transparency and accuracy within state government operations.

Housed within the OSBM and responsible for the oversight of federal pandemic recovery funds, NCPRO was commended for its recent achievement. According to a release from the OSBM, Director Tommy Clark expressed pride in his team's accomplishment, stating, "Managing billions in federal recovery funds is no small task, and our team has consistently risen to the challenge with integrity and precision," as mentioned by the OSBM.

The Award of Excellence was recently introduced to honor state entities showcasing exemplary conduct in the preparation of financial statements and federal compliance audits. For receiving such an accolade, organizations must meet rigorous standards, submitting comprehensive and punctual financial reports without any audit findings or necessary adjustments while adhering to strict legal and regulatory frameworks.

Speaking to the significance of the award, Kristin Walker, State Budget Director, acknowledged the pivotal role of NCPRO in managing North Carolina’s pandemic recovery funds responsibly. While addressing the sophisticated portfolio NCPRO oversees, Walker lauded the office's work, "To produce a single audit of such a complex and rigorous portfolio without a single finding or issue is worthy of this recognition and I am grateful to our colleagues at the Office of State Auditor for recognizing this work," she told the OSBM in an interview.

The North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO) was established in 2020 to oversee the distribution and compliance of federal COVID-19 relief funds. The office provides technical assistance, monitors spending, and works with local governments and state agencies to ensure funds are used in accordance with federal requirements to support recovery efforts.