In this episode, we explore the journey of Michael, a city auditor who transitioned into business architecture. He shares insights on the impact of auditing, the challenges of continuous improvement, and the importance of understanding organizational maturity. Michael discusses a significant audit on animal services in Winnipeg, where his recommendations led to a substantial increase in dog licensing. The conversation delves into the theory of constraints, the role of policy in auditing, and the necessity of navigating conflict within organizations. Michael emphasizes the need for auditors to consider operational realities and the root causes of issues rather than merely complying with policies.

In this conversation, Charles Hall shares a harrowing experience from his early days as a CPA, detailing an audit that led to threats against his life from county officials. He emphasizes the importance of integrity in auditing, recounting how he navigated the challenges of reporting illegal activities while facing intimidation. The discussion highlights the ethical dilemmas auditors may encounter and the significance of maintaining professional standards, even in the face of personal risk.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Auditor's Journey

01:51 Facing Threats: The Auditor's Integrity

06:55 The Consequences of Reporting

12:55 The Aftermath of the Audit

18:37 Lessons Learned and Integrity in Auditing

ABOUT CHARLES HALL: Charles B. Hall, CPA, CFE, MAcc became a CPA in 1987 and a Certified Fraud Examiner in 2004. He has spent most of his career providing auditing services, both internal and external, to local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses. Charles obtained his Master of Accountancy from the University of Georgia in 1984 and has thirty-four years’ experience in

Professional Affiliations:

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

• Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants

• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

• Georgia Government Finance Officers Association

He is a past member of Georgia Society of CPA’s Peer Review Committee and a past chairman of the Georgia Society of CPAs’ Governmental Accounting and Auditing Committee.

Charles is the author of The Little Book of Local Government Fraud Prevention and Preparation of Financial Statements and Compilation Engagements. He is a contributing author of PPC’s Guide to Cash, Tax, and Other Bases of Accounting and PPC’s Guide to Audits of Governments.

Charles loves reading, running, and blogging about accounting and auditing issues at cpahalltalk.com.

In this episode, we explore the riveting story of a 911 audit conducted in Denver, where auditor Marcus reveals the critical findings that led to significant improvements in emergency response times. The conversation delves into the challenges faced during the audit, including a conflict with the chief of police, and the lessons learned about the role of auditors in public safety. Marcus emphasizes the importance of data analysis and the impact of audits on future practices, ultimately highlighting the auditor's responsibility to serve the community effectively. 

Marcus Garrett provided these PDF documents to accompany his podcast episode: https://yellowbook-cpe.com/marcus-garrett-podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Super Auditor

01:51 The 911 Audit in Denver

08:12 Findings of the Audit

11:09 Conflict with the Chief of Police

17:32 Lessons Learned from the Audit

22:00 The Role of Auditors

27:02 Impact of the Audit on Future Practices

ABOUT MARCUS GARRETT, CIA: After surviving the mean streets of the inner suburbs in the Great State of Texas, Mr. Garrett obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and work experience as a Certified Internal Auditor, Financial and Data Analyst. As a Senior Millennial, his inflated self-esteem was amplified with participation trophies given to him without merit during his most impressionable years. Somehow he overcame these personal roadblocks to become an award-winning freelance writer on topics ranging from love and relationships to debt and personal finances.

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