NEWS

Contract for Accountability

Plan for More Efficient and Effective State Government:
     • Complete performance audits of all state agencies, boards, and commissions.
     • Measure the results-oriented effectiveness of state agencies.
     • End overlapping agency responsibilities by establishing an evaluation plan to eliminate redundancy.

This plan will give better control and stewardship of our hard-earned tax dollars.

Partner with Local Officials:
     • Increase technical and on-the-job training for all levels of government.
     • Fully cooperate with and assist local officials to find more federal funds for county and agency needs.
     • Aggressively investigate and prosecute all instances where taxpayer dollars are stolen or misused.
     • Actively seek statutory authority to hire an independent staff attorney to assist in sending law breakers
      to jail.

By working together, all of our citizens will have responsible government that we all expect and that they deserve.

Increase the Number of Audits Conducted:
     • Increase the number of staff and contract auditors to perform all required audits on a timely basis.
     • Offer competitive salaries to maintain and attract a qualified, dedicated staff. (The average salary
      difference between entry-level accountants in the public and private sector is $20,000.)
     • Establish an intern program for college students enabling the OSA to recruit talented young
      accountants early.
     • Create an internal, ongoing training program to ensure that all auditors are up-to-date and
      technically proficient.
     • Institute a review procedure that ensures all audit reports meet technical standards.

To serve the public need, audits should be conducted in a timely and professional manner.

Reduce Costs and Increase Output:
     • Expand the use of paperless audit techniques.
     • Institute electronic record storage to save space and taxpayer dollars.
     • Update and standardize audit software, enabling online submission of audits.
     • Work with private sector partners to develop seamless electronic partnerships.
     • Use forensic data to track electronic transactions and records.

      By implementing new technology, the Audit Department can streamline operations, reduce overhead and
      model accountability in management.

Work with School Districts:
     • Ensure that funding is fair and balanced. (The OSA validates the average daily attendance for school districts, the             basis for the MAEP formula.)
     • Identify best practices in Mississippi’s highest performing school districts.
     • Streamline the financial, compliance, and inventory audit process.

By partnering with our education leaders, we can ensure that more tax dollars reach the classroom.