Adventures in Auditing

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In this episode, we dive into Salt Lake County Auditor’s recent payroll audit findings, which span 12 different agencies with over 200 tests conducted. Through these audits, the team identified 120 issues and made 192 recommendations aimed at strengthening operations and maintaining transparency.

Our auditors share insights on why payroll audits are critical for a county with a workforce of around 7,500 employees and a payroll that exceeds $270 million. With a wide range of roles, from attorneys to lifeguards, it's crucial to ensure consistent, accurate payroll practices across agencies.

Tune in to hear about audit findings, including employees paid after termination, subordinates approving supervisors' time, and challenges with cell phone reimbursement policies. We also discuss risks such as inadequate access control and the need for a unified payroll manual, as well as the role of “tone at the top” in preventing shared logins and ensuring policy compliance.

Finally, our team offers recommendations to enhance operations through policy updates, consistent monitoring, and ongoing training. This episode provides a transparent look at how our audits help improve accountability and efficiency across Salt Lake County.

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The Salt Lake County Auditor’s Audit Services Division completed an
audit of the Salt Lake County Health Department Payroll Operations
for the period of September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022. The audit was
performed in conjunction with a Countywide Audit of Payroll Operations,
focusing on Mayor’s Finance Administration (Payroll Administration),
Human Resources, and twelve County Agencies.

For the audit period, the Health Department’s payroll encompassed a
workforce of 756 employees, with cumulative earnings of $32 million.

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The Salt Lake County Auditor’s Office Audit Services Division recently completed an audit focusing on deferred revenue and pre-paid goods and services within select Salt Lake County agencies. 

Deferred revenue represents money collected in advance for goods and services that have yet to be delivered. While it is a normal part of business operations, it comes with certain risks that require careful management. For example, in Salt Lake County, we collect funds in advance for things like gift certificates, venue rentals, memberships, and even permits for monuments and Farmer’s Market vendors. If these goods or services are not provided as promised, the county is obligated to either deliver them at a later date or refund the money. Failure to properly track and account for these obligations can lead to financial inaccuracies and legal challenges. This could erode public trust and potentially lead to financial shortfalls, affecting the county’s ability to fund other essential services.

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Chair Newton joined us to share what got her interested in public service, her priorities on the Council, and how audits help her as a policy maker.

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The Auditor's Office recently completed an audit of Countywide Policies.

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This week residents are receiving their Notice of Valuation and might have questions on how to file an appeal of the market value. Our guest today is Pam Rivas who helps taxpayers through this process.

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Join us as we discuss the recent audit of the West Jordan Library and Viridian Event Center.

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Have you ever wondered what goes into the audit process and how audits are chosen?

If so, this episode is for you!!!

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Learn more about the audit of the Larry Miller Softball Complex and the audit process.