LEXINGTON, KY – The 2012 Gold Knighton Award for best performance audit in the small audit shop category has been awarded to the Metro Office of the Auditor by the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA). The Award will be formally presented at ALGA’s Annual Conference in Nashville, TN, May 6, 2013.
The audit report, Metro’s Natural Areas: Maintenance strategy needed, was judged onseveral key elements, such as the potential for significant impact, the persuasiveness of the conclusions, the focus on improving government efficiency and effectiveness, and its clarity, conciseness and innovation.
Metro’s audit of natural areas maintenance addressed parklands, an area of great value and interest to taxpayer/citizens. The audit found that Metro needs a land management system that includes rigorous planning, clear standards, documentation, and performance measures.
The audit was notable not only for its choice of subject matter, but also for assessing both processes and governance. The audit used the case study technique, assessing three parks in depth to develop an overall understanding of land maintenance strategy. This method of scoping the audit was a creative solution to the broad subject matter.
Additionally, the report presentation itself was strong; the formatting and layout of the report made it inviting and easy to read.
Each year, local government audit organizations from around the U.S. and Canada submit their best performance audit reports for judging. The purpose of the competition is to improve government services by encouraging and increasing levels of excellence among local government auditors. Judges from peer organizations determined that this audit was among the best of 2012.
The Association of Local Government Auditors is a national audit association founded in 1985 committed to supporting and improving local government auditing through advocacy, collaboration, education, and training, while upholding and promoting the highest standards of professional ethics.