Saint Paul, MN – “The U.S. is facing a shortage of auditors at a time when Minnesotans want increased accountability,” said Auditor Blaha. “We need to be proactive in our approach to this shortage.”
Auditor Blaha has been hearing concerns over the past several months from local government officials about difficulties in finding financial professionals to complete required audits. To determine the extent of the problem here in Minnesota and explore solutions, Auditor Blaha will meet with stakeholders during her summer listening tour. The OSA will compile the feedback and make suggestions to produce tangible fixes.
“The entire audit industry is under pressure, and we need local solutions to ease the pressure here in Minnesota,” Blaha continued. “We’re assessing the situation now to prepare for possible fixes during the next legislative session.”
Auditor Blaha will kick-off her summer statewide tour on July 11 in Sibley County, visiting with local government officials in five counties and six cities in southeastern Minnesota. The tour will continue this summer with stops in the Moorhead, Marshall, and Duluth areas.
“Government audits must continue to be based on risk and not on a local government’s ability to find available auditors,” added Blaha. “Accountability cannot be arbitrary.”
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The Office of the State Auditor is the constitutional office that oversees more than $40 billion spent annually by local governments and approximately $20 billion in federal dollars spent by the State of Minnesota. The Office of the State Auditor helps to ensure financial integrity and accountability in local government financial activities. Julie Blaha is Minnesota’s 19th State Auditor.
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