Company Profile
California State Auditor
Company Overview
When it’s time for state and local government to account for taxpayer dollars spent, and when high-risk government financial systems need improvement, our Financial Auditors conduct reviews and provide much-needed guidance.
With billions of dollars in federal funding on the line, determining if California's financial statements are presented fairly is critical work. Each year, our staff ensures that California can receive funding that supports infrastructure, schools, and other public services by conducting our annual audit of the State's financial statements.
This audit—known as the Single Audit—is among the largest in the world and encompasses the evaluation of California's financial statements, financial reporting safeguards, and compliance with laws, rules, and requirements. It satisfies the federal requirements for an independent financial audit and reviews the State's compliance with federal program requirements.
As a part of our Local High Risk Program, our Financial teams evaluate city government finances to assess the ongoing fiscal health of California's more than 470 cities. We analyze and rank cities using financial indicators to inform the public about whether their cities are facing fiscal challenges, and we summarize our analysis on an accessible dashboard. If approved by the Legislature, our team then audits the highest-risk cities to provide recommendations that will help them improve their budgeting and governance.
Our work is in service to all Californians, and we are trusted to produce unbiased, independent, nonpartisan reports that hold government accountable.
Company History
The California State Auditor's Office was established by the Legislature with the belief that governmental audits are an important cornerstone in the system of checks and balances expected by the people of California. The California State Auditor reports its findings to the Legislature, recommending actions that lead to improvement of government operations, saving the state and taxpayers millions of dollars.
The California State Auditor serves the Legislature, governor, and public in distinctive ways that differentiates it from other state agencies and offices. The California State Auditor:
Is independent, nonpartisan, and is viewed as the State's external auditor.
Is the only state entity that is given full access to all records of state and local agencies, special districts, and school districts.
Complies with generally accepted government auditing standards.
Possesses the authority to perform financial, compliance, performance and contract audits as directed by statute or as approved by the - - Joint Legislative Audit Committee.
Administers the California Whistleblower Protection Act, which has broad authority to perform independent investigations into complaints that state employees have engaged in improper conduct.
May identify, audit, and report on state issues that the California State Auditor recognizes as being at high risk for waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, or that have major challenges related to efficiency or effectiveness.
Brings together a group of individuals with depth and breadth of experience and commitment to the highest standards of integrity and principles toward the creation of positive reform.
Makes audits and reviews available as resources.
Issues a high risk list every two years that identifies, audits, and issues reports with recommendations for improvement in areas detected.
Follows up on recent audits and reports of any corrective action taken.
Additionally, state statute requires agencies that have not implemented the California State Auditor's recommendations within one year to either report why they have not implemented them or to state when they will implement the recommendations.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
2022 NSAA Excellence in Accountability Award
2021 Gold Stevie Award for Government/Non-Profit Organization of the Year
2020 NSAA Excellence in Accountability Award for Outstanding Special Project
2018 NSAA Excellence in Accountability Award
2017 NLPES Excellence in Evaluation Award
2017 NSAA Excellence in Accountability Award
Benefits
California State government employees are entitled to one of the most comprehensive, competitive, and progressive benefits packages available.
Complete benefit information can be found on the CalHR website here: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx