Finding Text
Condition and Criteria: During the current year, adjusting journal entries, along with footnote disclosures were proposed by the auditors and accepted by the City properly reflect the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Some of the adjustments and footnotes were related to recording receivables, payables, deferred revenues, and converting to the full accrual method for GASB 34 purposes. In addition, a draft of the financial statements was prepared by the auditors and accepted by the City.
Effect: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) issued Statement on Auditing Standards Number 115, entitled Communicating Internal Control Related Matters in an Audit. This standard considers the need for significant adjusting journal entries and assistance when preparing the financial statements to be indicative of an internal control deficiency. Without this assistance, the potential risk exists of the City’s financial statements not conforming with GAAP.
Auditor’s Recommendation: Although auditors may continue to provide such assistance both now and in the future, under this pronouncement, the City should continue to review and accept both proposed adjusting journal entries and footnote disclosures, along with the draft financial statements. City’s Response: The City Auditor, Lens Martial, has received, reviewed and approved all journal entries, footnote disclosures and draft financial statements proposed for the current year audit and will continue to review similar information in future years. Further, the City believes it has a thorough understanding of these financial statements and has the ability to make informed judgments based on these financial statements.