During the Richmond City Governmental Operations Standing Committee meeting on September 24, 2025, City Auditor Riyadh Ali presented the annual update from the Office of the City Auditor (OCA). This update highlighted the office's critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability within city operations through systematic audits.

Ali emphasized that the OCA's primary function is to conduct periodic audits of city departments, programs, and contracts, as mandated by city code. The annual audit plan, which is approved by the audit committee, is adaptable to address emerging risks and requests from both city administration and council members. This flexibility allows the OCA to respond effectively to real-time issues within the city.

In fiscal year 2025, the OCA issued a total of 11 reports, including six audit reports and four follow-up reports on previous recommendations. Notably, the office made 72 recommendations to improve city operations, with city administration agreeing to implement 68 of them. Ali pointed out that a significant portion of these recommendations were classified as high priority, indicating serious control deficiencies that could lead to violations of law or financial losses.

The financial implications of the audits were substantial, with identified exceptions totaling approximately $10.8 million. This figure included issues such as improper payments and insufficient documentation. Furthermore, about $6 million was referred to the Office of the Inspector General for further investigation, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the two offices in addressing potential fraud and inefficiencies.

Ali also highlighted the OCA's commitment to enhancing internal controls and operational efficiency. The office's audits are guided by government auditing standards, ensuring that they adhere to best practices in the field. The auditor noted that the OCA's team is composed of skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds, and they are actively engaged in professional development to maintain high standards in auditing.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the OCA's vital role in promoting accountability within Richmond's city government. The proactive approach to auditing and the emphasis on addressing high-priority issues reflect a commitment to improving city operations and safeguarding public resources. As the OCA continues to adapt its strategies in response to emerging challenges, the community can expect ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in local governance.