Courtroom scene with US flag and state seal and flag of the state of California. 3d rendering (Adobe Stock)
Typically when state audit reports come out, there are traditionally audit recommendations.
But this audit program saw several departments, like the State Controller’s Office, the auditors office itself, and Department of Finance, being investigated as to why they’re constantly seeing late filings.
So in this case, the report also provided 20 different performance improvement opportunities, or PIO for short.
There were some common themes throughout these PIO’s.
They include more training for staff, a clearer picture of responsibilities for the departments, getting rid of duplicate work, and improving the integration of the state’s fiscal system.
When looking at the full distribution of these PIO’s…
The state auditor itself was provided the most with five total.
The State Controllers Office, Franchise Tax Board AND Caltrans were the next most with three each.
The Employment Development Department and Department of Healthcare Services had two opportunities.
The Departments of Education and Finance each rounded out the rest at one PIO each.
Each department did give their responses for the recommendations and PIO’s that this report found.
While everyone did generally agree with what was found and will either implement them or has it planned, the State Controller’s Office did offer a more meaningful response to the report.
They emphasized the recent improvements, and argued that the progress that’s been made should be recognized.
But the auditor responded to this, saying that more reforms are needed before the issues can be considered fully fixed.
As for how things are looking today, things have greatly improved for the state <a href="https://bitcomme.com/dei-policies-brought-no-financial-penalty-for-companies-that-kept-them-study-finds/” title=”DEI policies brought no financial penalty for companies that kept them, study finds”>financial reporting.
As of the most recent financial fiscal year for filings to be reported, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was filed with a clean audit opinion.
The question now will be if this improvement can be sustained from this point on.
