Gila Bend receives clean FY2023 audit; auditors recommend internal control fixes

Nicholas Zundel, a partner at Colby and Powell, told the Town of Gila Bend Town Council on March 10 that auditors issued an unmodified opinion on the town’s fiscal‑year 2023 financial statements and did not encounter significant difficulties working with management.

The presentation, given during the council’s regular meeting at the Gila Bend Unified School District Media Center, included an overview of the independent auditor’s report, the town’s financial statements and an internal‑control and compliance report required under government auditing standards. Zundel said the audit provides “reasonable assurance” that the statements follow generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Zundel said the auditors conveyed three recommendations to strengthen internal controls and reduce risk going forward. First, he said state statutes require municipalities to issue audited financial statements within nine months of the fiscal‑year end and the town should monitor timely filing. Second, he recommended separating duties so one person cannot both adjust utility accounts and collect payments. Third, he recommended documenting an independent monthly review and approval of bank reconciliations, noting that timely reconciliations are an effective way to detect unusual transactions or errors early.

The auditor characterized these recommendations as common for smaller jurisdictions and as process improvements rather than findings of wrongdoing. No formal council action was required on the audit presentation; the council received the report.

The council’s next procedural step is to ensure any required publication or official filing of the audited statements meets state deadlines. The town manager later told the council the auditors will begin work on the FY2024 audit April 20 and will follow with FY2025 work thereafter.