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Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute N ew S heriff Orientation

This seminar provides an overview of the Auditor of Public Accounts' role in auditing sheriffs, including accounting manual guidelines, CPA firm specifications, and typical audit findings.

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Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute N ew S heriff Orientation

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  1. Virginia Sheriffs’ InstituteNew Sheriff Orientation Accounting and Auditing Issues _____________________________________ November 29, 2017 Laurie J. Hicks, CPA, CFE Auditor of Public Accounts http://www.apa.virginia.gov

  2. Objectives http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Provide an overview of the APA • Discuss the APA’s role in Auditing Sheriffs • State Account Audits • CPA Firm Specifications • Sheriff’s Accounting Manual • Typical findings from our audits • Other Requirements

  3. Overview of APA http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Legislative Branch of Government • External Auditor for Commonwealth • Local Government and Judicial Systems Specialty Team • Staff located throughout the state that specialize in audits of courts and constitutional officers

  4. APA’s Role in Auditing Sheriffs http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Responsibility for publishing the Virginia Sheriff’s Accounting Manual • Annually set guidelines for the CPA firms of the localities to follow during their audits • Annually perform our own audit of the state funds handled

  5. VA Sheriffs’ Accounting Manual • Internal Controls • Canteen Operations • Inmate Trust Funds • Work Release and Home/Electronic Incarceration • Prisoner Reimbursements • Medical Co-Payments • Evidence • Forfeited Property • Confidential Funds • Crime Prevention Programs and Donated Funds • Court Support Services http://www.apa.virginia.gov

  6. APA Requirements for CPA Firms http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Chapter 836 of the 2017 Acts of Assembly includes audit requirements for any funds received by the local Sheriff. • Auditor must identify all sources of funds, determine if internal controls are adequate, and if funds are deposited to an official account/remitted to Treasurer as required.

  7. APA Requirements for CPA Firms http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Determine whether the Sheriff has controls to ensure: • compliance with the Virginia Sheriffs Accounting Manual • compliance with the Code of Virginia, Sections 15.2-1609 through 15.2-1625 • safeguards all money • ensures proper accountability of funds and their disbursement

  8. APA Requirements for CPA Firms http://www.apa.virginia.gov • The locality’s independent auditor is required to submit a letter to the Auditor of Public Accounts annually providing assurance as to whether the Sheriff has maintained a proper system of internal controls and records in accordance with the Code of Virginia.

  9. APA Annual Audit Overview http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Sheriff’s Internal Control and Procedures Questionnaire • Review documentation • Bank statements, reconciliations, canceled checks and checkbook for the audit period • Receipt books used during the audit period • Transmittal forms prepared during the audit period

  10. APA Annual Audit Overview http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Compare remittance to Treasurer per Sheriff’s records to Treasurer’s records. • Look at timeliness of remittances • Review bank statements; test for timely deposits

  11. Common Audit Findings http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Deposit Sheriff’s Fees Promptly • Remit Sheriff’s Fees Timely • Reconcile bank account monthly and have a review process • Obtain an appropriation prior to spending funds

  12. Fraud Reporting http://www.apa.virginia.gov Code of Virginia, Section 30-138 Upon the discovery of circumstances suggesting a reasonable possibility that a fraudulent transaction has occurred involving funds or property under the control of any state department, court, officer, board, commission, institution or other agency of the Commonwealth, including local constitutional officers and appointed officials exercising the powers of elected constitutional officers, as to which one or more officers or employees of state or local government may be party thereto, the state agency head, court clerk or local official in charge of such entity shall promptly report such information to the Auditor of Public Accounts, the State Inspector General, and the Superintendent of State Police.

  13. Report of Financial Condition http://www.apa.virginia.gov • Chapter 836 of the 2017 Acts of Assembly (Item 4-11.00) requires that each officer handling State funds make a detailed statement under oath, of the financial condition of his or her office. • Reminder email from APA with an attached template sent in July of each year.

  14. Questions http://www.apa.virginia.gov Contact information: Auditor of Public Accounts (804) 225-3350 Laurie J. Hicks ext.327 http://www.apa.virginia.gov/Local Government.aspx

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