The Huntington School District has received an outstanding independent financial audit from Cullen & Danowski, LLP, certified public accountants based in Port Jefferson Station.
The firm conducted an extensive examination and review of the district’s financial books, records and internal control procedures for the school year ending on June 30, 2016.
The audit was presented to the Huntington School Board’s Audit Committee by Jill S. Sanders during a public meeting of that body earlier this fall during which she reviewed the examination’s findings and recommendations.
The report was summarized during a regular public business meeting of the Huntington School Board in the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School auditorium. It is available on the district website at www.hufsd.edu.
Ms. Sanders’ assessment was extremely positive and noted the district’s effective internal controls and the sense of professionalism that exists among business office employees.
The district has long utilized stringent internal control procedures and cultivated a culture of honesty and professionalism. The audit showed effective segregation of duties among employees and revealed no discrepancies in the district’s books and records.
The month long audit included Cullen & Danowski interviewing employees and documenting the procedures in place. Sample transactions were tested for deficiencies and checked to determine if purchasing was in line with both Board of Education policies and state law.
The audit process included spot checks to insure employees were getting paid the correct amounts, that sick time was accurately accounted for along with any financial pay-out tied to it and that no employee was paid after their date of termination or retirement.
The accounting firm’s findings were presented in two volumes along with a management letter that included a handful of minor recommendations.
“The comprehensive independent audit for the year ending June 30, 2016 once again confirms the district’s sound fiscal practices and careful budgeting,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “We will act upon all recommendations promptly in preparation for the 2017/18 budget development process and also in an effort to further improve our internal controls.”