We perform our audits in accordance with generally accepted Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Those standards require that we plan and obtain sufficient, appropriate and reasonable evidence to support our audit findings. Our audit methodology is as follows:
• Review prior years’ work papers, applicable policies and procedures, agreements, resolutions, and relevant sections of the City Code/Charter, Florida Statutes, and federal guidelines relative to the audit objectives.
• Prepare an audit plan, complete a preliminary survey, and assess audit risk.
• Obtain an understanding of internal controls by reading applicable internal control policies and procedures, interviewing employees, and observing control procedures.
• Determine the effectiveness/weakness of internal controls; assess control risk; and plan the nature, timing, and extent of substantive tests.
• Perform analytical review procedures for the purposes of both planning substantive testing and confirming the reasonableness of audit findings and conclusions.
• Perform substantive testing consistent with the audit objectives by examining on a test basis, applicable controls, procedures, transactions, and records.
• Examine on a test basis, evidence supporting current transactions (as well as events and conditions) to determine if management has taken steps to correct deficiencies disclosed in the prior audit reports.
• Identify potential reportable conditions relating to internal controls, which, in our judgment, could affect management’s assurance of the reliability of the financial operations, compliance with applicable laws, administrative rules, regulations, and other applicable guidelines.
• Obtain the auditee’s concurrence with the audit findings through a memorandum of understanding, which describes the reportable condition(s) noted by the auditor.
• Schedule, hold, and discuss all audit findings with the auditee in an exit conference.
• Perform other procedures as deemed necessary.