PBMares opens audit for fiscal year ended June 30; firm reports no issues so far

Andrea Nichols, senior manager and in‑charge auditor for PBMares’ Harrisonburg office, told the Board of Supervisors Finance and Audit Committee on July 15, 2025, that PBMares has begun fieldwork for the fiscal‑year audit and has found no issues so far. "I am pleased to report we don't have any issues that we have identified, thus far," Nichols said.

The firm outlined the audit scope and deliverables: financial statements for Goochland County and Goochland County Public Schools that together form the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR); a separate report for the Goochland‑Powhatan Community Services Board; and a federal single audit in accordance with 2 CFR 200 (the Uniform Guidance). Nichols said preliminary fieldwork occurred in the spring and that the bulk of on‑site testing is scheduled for September, with writing and review in November.

Nichols said PBMares will provide standard deliverables at completion, including the audit reports for the county, the single audit report and agreed‑upon procedures (including reports required by the Auditor of Public Accounts). She also noted PBMares will deliver any control‑deficiency or management‑recommendation letters if issues arise. "If we did, we would communicate that to you immediately," she said.

On risks, PBMares described management override of controls as a perennial significant risk that auditors must address. The firm also called out implementation of a new accounting standard affecting compensated absences as a risk requiring attention; Nichols said county and school management "have a good plan in place to implement" the change. PBMares also noted cybersecurity as an increasing audit area and said Antonina McEvoy, a partner with cybersecurity expertise, is available to assist.

The firm invited two‑way communication with governance and asked the committee to report any concerns or information relevant to fraud inquiries. Nichols referenced AICPA guidance on fraud assessment and asked committee members to notify auditors of any known issues. She also described partner access and team composition, naming Mike Garber as the primary partner on the audit and Betsy Hedrick as the engagement partner for county schools and the community services board.

Committee members asked about the timeline and final delivery. Nichols said the state filing deadline set by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts is Dec. 15, 2025, and that PBMares aims to complete work well before that date. She described the planned schedule: on‑site testing in September, office reviews in late September and October, and the writing/review process in November.

No formal action was taken; the presentation served as an audit kickoff and an opportunity for committee questions.