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Cary Council Appoints New External Auditor, Seeks Broader Financial Reviews
Summary
Following citizen concerns about town finances, the Cary Town Council unanimously appointed Cherry Becker LLP as the town's independent auditor for FY2026–FY2028 and asked staff to return with options for additional independent financial and internal control reviews.
CARY — The Cary Town Council on June 11 unanimously appointed Cherry Becker LLP as the town’s independent external auditor for fiscal years 2026–2028, following a competitive selection process and finalist interviews.
Finance Director Kimberly Branch told council the town received four proposals in response to an RFP and that an evaluation committee advanced two finalists. Staff recommended Cherry Becker (referred to during the presentation with minor transcription variance) on the basis of its governmental auditing experience and track record for meeting deadlines. Branch described the auditor’s role under North Carolina statute and emphasized that the annual audit examines whether financial statements are fairly presented rather than acting as a comprehensive fraud guarantee.
Councilmembers also discussed adding deeper independent reviews beyond the annual audit — including fraud risk assessments, internal control reviews and financial condition assessments — and asked staff to bring options and costs back to council. The selection will be submitted to the Local Government Commission for approval as required by state law.
What’s next: Staff will finalize and execute the audit contract with Cherry Becker LLP and return to council with recommendations and cost estimates for any additional independent financial and operational reviews.
