Audit Readiness: Practical Steps for Municipal Success

Preparing for an audit is one of the most important financial responsibilities a local government faces each year. While audits help meet regulatory requirements, they also reflect a municipality’s ability to manage public funds responsibly, identify risks early, and maintain the trust of its residents. Audit readiness isn’t just about closing the books—it’s about being organized, proactive, and collaborative throughout the entire fiscal year.  

Step 1: Record Maintenance   

The process begins well before the auditor arrives. The foundation of a successful audit is accurate, up-to-date financial records. This involves reconciling accounts on a monthly basis, consistently recording transactions, and ensuring that every disbursement or revenue source has appropriate supporting documentation, such as invoices, receipts, or grant agreements. Waiting until year-end to clean things up only increases the risk of errors and delays.  

Step 2: Internal Controls  

Internal controls are another critical area. Auditors will examine whether there are safeguards in place to prevent fraud or misuse of funds. For example, no single employee should be responsible for both approving and processing payments. Roles should be clearly defined, and policies regarding purchasing, cash handling, and payroll should be documented and consistently followed. Municipalities that review and strengthen their controls in advance of an audit are far less likely to encounter findings or deficiencies.  

Step 3: Internal Collaboration  

Audit preparation also requires collaboration across departments. Financial staff can’t do it alone. Public works, parks and recreation, fire, police, and other departments all play a role. Department heads should be informed early about audit timelines and their responsibilities—whether it’s submitting purchase documentation, confirming capital asset usage, or verifying grant expenditures. Strong internal communication reduces the burden on the finance team and leads to a smoother audit process.  

Step 4: Annual Bookkeeping  

Once the fiscal year ends, closing the books accurately and quickly is key. All accounts should be reconciled, journal entries reviewed, and key schedules prepared—such as budget-to-actual comparisons, capital asset inventories, grant tracking, and debt schedules. It’s also smart to maintain a running “audit file” throughout the year that includes board minutes, major contracts, and explanations of significant or unusual transactions. Having this documentation ready when the audit starts saves time and reduces stress.  

Step 5: Communication with the Auditor  

Communication with the auditor should start early. Reach out before fieldwork begins to confirm the timeline, request the list, and inquire about any changes in accounting standards or reporting requirements. If prior audits identified issues or concerns, provide an update on how those items were addressed. This not only shows accountability but also builds trust with your audit firm.  

Step 6: Pre-Audit Review  

Finally, consider conducting a pre-audit review. Whether led by internal staff or an outside advisor, reviewing the financials with a critical eye can help identify errors or omissions before the auditors do. This last step often makes the difference between a clean audit and one filled with surprises.  

Make Audit Readiness Easier with the Help of Maner Costerisan  

At its core, audit preparation is about more than compliance—it’s about demonstrating that the municipality is well-run, transparent, and prepared to meet the needs of its community. By embedding audit readiness into day-to-day operations and emphasizing cross-departmental accountability, local governments can not only reduce audit stress but also strengthen their financial foundation for the future.  

At Maner Costerisan, our audit team is prepared to assist local governments in preparing for their audits and working through these steps. If you have questions or would like to learn more about audit readiness in your municipality, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at maner@manercpa.com for more information.