Office of the Washington State Auditor
@wastateauditor
Working on behalf of the public to promote accountability and transparency of government in Washington state. Learn more at .
Today’s number 59 represents how many cybersecurity audits we conducted in fiscal year 2025. These audits are designed to detect weaknesses in a government’s cybersecurity and propose solutions to strengthen those systems. Learn more: https://ow.ly/c85Z50XSEYK
Congratulations to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission for receiving a State Auditor’s Stewardship Award in recognition of its dedication to accountability and transparency in government. Your dedication to #GoodGovernment is inspiring!
Prefer a live presentation over a multi-page PDF? You're in luck: Our experts will be presenting our latest performance audit in front of legislators this Wednesday and you can tune in: https://ow.ly/jjXj50Zm7ku
The annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference has started in Boston, and SAO has several of its best on hand including (left to right): Stephanie Sullivan, Alex Lycan and Brandi Pritchard. Their participation will enhance our efforts as help safeguard public resources in our state. #GoodGovernment
SAO's Zhihua Hu is into mountain climbing, so it’s no wonder she keeps reaching new heights with our Office. Case in point: Her recent CGFM accreditation that demonstrates expertise in governmental auditing, accounting and several other financial areas. Keep on climbing, Zhihua! #WeAreSAO
🎓Our Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT) now includes a new indicator: "Change in Enrollment" for school districts. 🎓 This feature tracks year-over-year enrollment changes over five years, helping districts identify trends that impact financial health. Learn more: https://ow.ly/SM2L50Zjp83
Are you ready to work with a team that values integrity, transparency and accountability (not to mention the occasional corgi sighting)? Learn more about our Office and apply today: https://sao.wa.gov/careers
We’ve established a new Division of Special Investigations encompassing our fraud investigation, whistleblower and citizen hotline programs. This step reflects our ongoing commitment to a coordinated, proactive and responsive approach to this important work. #GoodGovernment
"As we reflect upon our nation’s 250th anniversary, I recognize that our work helps keep the United States of America going. We hold government accountable to the people, for the people, so that the people can continue our proud tradition of democracy." —State Auditor Pat McCarthy
In celebration of National Ice Cream Month this July, we present a short behind-the-scenes video in which State Auditor Pat McCarthy and 6-year-old Adilynn talk about—of course—ice cream. #TwoScoopsPlease
SAO Cybersecurity Specialist Daniel Mann (far right) met with city officials at last week’s Association of Washington Cities Annual Conference to discuss critical cybersecurity issues including emergency management planning. Thank you to our local partners in #GoodGovernment that attended!
#GoodGovernment in action! Our very own Debbie Pennick recently co-presented at the Association of Washington Cities Annual Conference along with Raymond Mayor Dee Roberts and RMSA Risk Manager Henry Dietz (pictured l to r) about navigating financial accountability for city and town officials.
Our state’s public ports are important, which is why we appreciate the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) for having SAO experts participate in last week’s WPPA Finance & Administration Seminar. Pictured left to right, SAO’s Zach Shelton, Deena Garza and Olivia Crouch. #GoodGovernment
In light of today’s Supreme Court ruling on mail-in ballots, here's a friendly reminder for Washingtonians on where to turn for accurate election information. For county elections, local county auditors: https://wsaca.org/directory/ Statewide elections, the WA Office of the Secretary of State.
The latest global report on occupational fraud from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found employees who had fraud awareness training were twice as likely to submit a tip that led to the detection of fraud than employees who did not have training. Learn more: https://ow.ly/M3TB50Z94eZ
It's been two weeks since #NSAA2026 and we're still basking in the glow of all the great camaraderie and connections our staff experienced with auditors from across the country. Thank you to NASACT for this great summary: https://ow.ly/K9Co50ZcUAZ.
Scores of local governments have taken advantage of SAO's free cyber checkup service and the city of Port Towsend was one of them. Hear what their Network Administrator had to say in this short #PodcastClip.
Today’s number 18 represents how many fraud investigation reports our Office published in fiscal year 2025. Combined, these reports identified more than $2.3 million in misappropriated public funds and nearly $500,000 in questionable transactions. Learn more: https://ow.ly/ubAS50XSELC
Fancy yourself a financial data aficionado? Click on over to SAO's exclusive Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT). It features financial data for nearly 2,300 local governments throughout the state that you can parse, customize and analyze – all for free. Learn more today: sao.wa.gov/FIT
📷Happy National Selfie Day 🤳 Mike from our communications team recently took this shot, which he calls "Another Day at the Office." Here's to a picture-perfect day! #NationalSelfieDay
Today we commemorate Juneteenth, a day to honor resiliency, triumph and freedom. We join Washingtonians in recognizing this special day and reflecting on its significance. #JuneteethDay
A look back at some of our favorite moments from last week's #NSAA2026 annual conference! #GoodGovernment
As an Assistant State Auditor with SAO since 2021, Sasha Richart appreciates the impact of her work outside of our Office. “I think this job builds connections with your neighbors and community in ways you'd never expect,” she says. Thank you for your unique perspective, Sasha! #WeAreSAO
Thank you to our glorious group of SAO staff who attended, presented and helped make this year’s #NSAA2026 annual conference in Tacoma a success. We appreciate the opportunity to share our expertise and partner with our auditing colleagues across the country! #GoodGovernment
Shout out to SAO’s Scott Woelfle for being recognized with a President's Award at yesterday’s #NSAA2026 annual conference! We join in celebrating and recognizing Scott’s contributions to our work and dedication to public service. Here's to a job well done!
We just couldn’t resist sharing a few more great pictures from today’s happenings at #NSAA2026 including State Auditor / NSAA President Pat McCarthy, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, soccer great Michelle Akers and of course, all of our auditing colleagues from across the U.S. #GoodGovernment
SAO’s Scott Frank and State Auditor Pat McCarthy joined some of their auditing colleagues from across the nation earlier today during #NSAA2026 for an engaging lunchtime ‘table talk’ session to discuss a variety of issues, ranging from audit challenges to emerging issues and more. #GoodGovernment
⚽What a way to kick off #NSAA2026! ⚽Soccer legend Michelle Akers, at right, spoke with attendees about teambuilding and creating champions—and even took time for a photo opp with State Auditor Pat McCarthy, who also serves as NSAA President. Thank you for your inspirational words, Michelle!
Location, location, location: We have offices across the state staffed by nearly 500 people to help promote accountability and transparency in government. Learn more about where we work: https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/office-locations
Looking for a job where meaningful work and teamwork come together? See our latest openings: https://ow.ly/GBkN50Z9wgZ