Auditee’s are notified of pending audits by the Compliance and Internal Audit Department via an announcement/engagement letter. The notification is followed by an entrance conference meeting, at which time the scope and objective of the audit are discussed.

During the initial phase of the audit, auditors gather relevant information about the department and its activities, in order to obtain a general understanding and overview of operations. Auditors meet with key personnel to discuss processes, internal controls, identify risks, to review reports, files, and other sources of information.

During this phase of the audit, auditors determine whether the controls identified during the preliminary review are operating properly, in the manner described and if risks are managed effectively. This phase of the audit includes observations, testing of transactions, analytical procedures, and other audit procedures as deemed necessary. As fieldwork progresses, auditors will discuss any concerns and significant findings with management, in an effort to obtain clarification and/or initiate resolution. The fieldwork stage concludes with a list of opportunities for improvement, findings and recommendations which become the basis of the audit report.

At the conclusion of fieldwork, the work papers are finalized and a draft audit report is completed and reviewed internally. The draft report is submitted to Board management for review, at which time formal responses are requested. Board staff is typically provided two (2) weeks to formally respond to the draft report.

Upon receipt, an exit conference is scheduled and performed to discuss management’s responses and communicate any audit concerns. The formal responses are then incorporated into the report and it is presented to the Clerk of Courts for review and approval. Once approved, the final report is submitted to the Board of County Commissioners and becomes public record.

A follow-up audit is conducted within approximately one (1) year following the release of the final report. The goal of a follow-up audit is to verify the resolution of the reported findings.