EDLD 5342 Week 4, Part 5

The district posts a job description and bid request for the external auditor job.  The interested auditors will present their bids and a resume to the central office.  The superintendent and business manager will present their choice to the school board for their approval. The auditor is given complete freedom and cooperation to look through all aspects of the district’s finances and expenditures.  Often, they will have questions that require school personnel to supply documentation of spending or receipt of funds.  Because we are a small district, most years the audit takes only about 5-8 days.  However, when there are concerns or a need for additional documentation the process can take longer. The audit will generally come up with a general overall rating of the district and then break it down to more specific areas of concerns or positive comments.  One major focus has been how purchase requisitions are processed and the checks and balances used to make sure all money is expended according to state law and local policy.  One example came about recently when the auditor suggested that the district change its policy on credit card use.  No longer will employees be able to use the credit card to pay for hotel rooms and travel, but must send through a check request and supply receipts.  The audit is discussed in an open board meeting and reported to local media as well as posted on the school website.  The public is invited to discuss the audit in the open session of the appropriate board meeting.