Audit Services Division, City of Portland, Oregon
The judges were impressed with the quality and professionalism found in all the audit reports submitted for this year's competition. Each audit report had several noteworthy attributes that speak highly of the professionals in local government auditing. However, the judges unanimously agreed that the "Telephone Customer Service Practices & Guidelines" audit report exemplified remarkable creativeness and foresight. The report delivered a clear and meaningful message to management and the public.
The report focused on an issue of vital concern to the citizens of Portland, Oregon and local government officials -- City employees' telephone etiquette and communications with the public. Consistent with its topic, this report demonstrated outstanding communications skills in presenting the results of the audit to City management and the public. The report format was very effective with clear and concise text. This report is "must reading" for all auditors seeking to improve their ability to communicate effectively.
The judges also selected three other audits for commendation: LIRR's Performance Providing Adequate Temperature Control Review submitted by the Office of Inspector General, Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York. The Long Island Rail Road's performance was reviewed with respect to maintaining comfortable temperatures for passengers on its aging fleet of 1,000 passengers cars. The review eloquently and persuasively demonstrated a business imperative for maintaining passenger comfort levels year round. It offered several viable recommendations to address the findings. The methodology for supporting the findings was sound and well conceived. The report was very well written.
HR/Payroll Application and Operational Review submitted by the Massachusetts Water and Resources Authority Internal Audit Unit. The Internal Audit Unit conducted an operational review of the MWRA Administration. The scope of the review included an evaluation of payroll activities, and the information technology used to support the Human Resources/Payroll function. The MWRA audit staff demonstrated a thorough understanding of complex control testing. They effectively simplified the complicated and intertwined information technology system and offered a common sense approach to making needed improvement in this easy-to-read report.
Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Patrol Deployment: Blackout Analysis submitted by the Office of the City Auditor, Kansas City. This report addressed a significant management issue. It was based on an appropriate assessment of the risks confronting the Police department. The auditors worked in conjunction with an expert from the academic community to develop a simulation model for assessing deployment practices and ultimately shared the simulation model with the police department.
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Auditing Awards