WHERE WE AUDIT

Department of Transportation, Department of Public Instruction, and Universities.

North Dakota is experiencing a shortage of audit firms that have the ability to conduct government audits. Because of a lack of staff, our office is not able to conduct audits in many counties across the state. Audits are vital to ensure accountability and transparency to the citizens of North Dakota.

Check that public funds are accounted for and that government agencies are effective and ethical.

Audits all 11 public colleges and universities, and the ND University System office. Reviews federal funds to check if they are being spent according to federal regulations.

Verifies that the federal government and state are receiving money from oil, gas, and coal companies.

Examine the financial reporting of specific government groups for inconsistencies and errors.

Examine the financial reporting of local government for inconsistencies and errors. Only reported if a public employee or official defaults or creates a liability against the state bonding fund.

The National State Auditors Association (NSAA) gave our office the highest possible rating in peer review, referencing our adherence to government auditing standards.

17 Total interns this biennium Vacancies projected to be filled with interns

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Why Auditors Are Needed

• When audits cannot happen because of staffing shortages, the chances for fraud increase.

• Our office attempts to dedicate time to education, however because of our current staff levels and the high demand for our services, our ability to do that is limited.

• Understaffed audit teams and below-market compensation create a retention problem — resulting in private-sector recruitment from our talent pool.

• There is potential for greater taxes to the public when budget decisions are made on old or unaudited information.