Financial Statements as a Storytelling Tool in Governmental Audits

Many government finance staff and city managers see audits only as compliance documents. However, the audit can identify trends, risks, and red flags — if you know where to look.

This session focuses on how to use the audit as a practical management tool. Learn how different sections of the audit, including the financial statements, notes, audit opinion, and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), can be used to:

• Understand financial position, operating results, and cash trends
• Recognize risks, warning signs, and issues that affect future budgets and capital plans
• Interpret the significance of the audit opinion and key disclosures
• Support clearer communication with council and the public

Watch this valuable session by Maner Costerisan’s Tyler Baker, CPA, CGFM®, Principal, alongside Nate Geinzer, CEO of Double Haul Solutions, and discover how to leverage the MD&A for faster, clearer audits and improved daily decision-making.