Long Beach City Auditor Laura Doud this week released the City Auditor’s Office 2016 Annual Work Plan and Accomplishments Report, which highlights the audit work produced in 2015, along with new ways the office is communicating with the public, as well as planned audits for this year.
In 2015, the office produced reports that covered over $20 million in annual operations in seven different departments. The audits produced over 80 recommendations with city management agreeing with 96 percent of them, according to Doud’s office.
In addition to the audits, the office released its first City Auditor’s Fraud Hotline Report, which provides investigation results of key tips received and important information on how calls are processed. The office also underwent its third triennial peer review and received top marks, according to Doud’s office.
A top priority last year was to enhance transparency through new communication modes allowing for two-way dialogue with the public. The office launched new social media channels— Twitter at @LBCityAuditor and Facebook at facebook.com/LongBeachCityAuditor— which the public can follow to stay informed on how the office is working for them and to share their comments.
The office also introduced the new MyAuditor App which provides quick access to auditor’s office updates and allows users to easily report suspected fraud against the City. In addition, CityAuditorLauraDoud.com was updated with a more user-friendly and responsive interface, so that the public can easily access reports, see news items and report fraud tips. All of these channels allow the public to provide direct feedback to the auditor’s office.
Heading into 2016, the office will complete significant audits addressing processes and operations that spend millions of dollars, according to Doud’s office. Upcoming work will assess the City’s strategy in maintaining park landscaping and review controls over the City’s solicitation and management of infrastructure projects. Recognizing that recommendations have no value unless they are implemented, the office will also issue a report detailing the implementation status of all audit recommendations from 2010 through 2014.
“I expect 2016 to be another successful year in our mission to promote transparency, prevent fraud and provide independent assurance that public funds are spent responsibly,” said City Auditor Laura Doud.
The complete Long Beach City Auditor’s Office 2016 Annual Work Plan & Accomplishments Report can be viewed at the City Auditor’s website, CityAuditorLauraDoud.com . Printed copies can be requested by e-mail at Auditor@longbeach.gov or by phone at (562) 570-6751.
