Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Audit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gila Bend audit shows 'clean' FY2023 opinion; auditors recommend three internal-control fixes
Summary
Independent auditors told the Gila Bend Town Council the town received an unmodified ("clean") opinion for FY2023 and recommended three changes to strengthen controls: timelier issuance of audited statements, separation of duties in utility billing, and independent monthly bank‑reconciliation review.
The Gila Bend Town Council heard an overview of the town's fiscal year 2023 audit on March 10, when Nicholas Zundel, CPA and partner at Colby and Powell, told the council the audit produced an unmodified opinion for the year ending June 30, 2023.
"The town received an unmodified opinion in relation to the fiscal year end June 30th, 2023. An unmodified opinion is commonly referred to as a clean opinion," Zundel said, describing the audit's role in providing reasonable assurance that the town's financial statements follow U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. He said auditors did not encounter significant difficulties working with management and appreciated staff cooperation.
Zundel also summarized three recommendations intended to strengthen internal controls: issue audited financial statements within nine months of fiscal year end to meet state timelines; separate duties so the same person cannot both adjust utility accounts and collect payments; and document an independent monthly review and approval of bank reconciliations to help detect unusual transactions earlier. He described the recommendations as common for smaller jurisdictions and framed as process improvements rather than findings of wrongdoing.
Council took no formal action on the audit at the meeting; the presentation served to inform the council and public. The audit covered FY2023; auditors are scheduled to begin the FY2024 audit April 20, 2026, with FY2025 to follow, per the town manager's report.
