The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) had previously identified a number of shortcomings with its accounts payable process during the period of an audit that covered transactions from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2012, according to statement released by Sheriff Steve Boyer.

The audit addressed concerns with KCSO accounts payable processes and describes steps taken to improve its procedures.

KCSO was joined by the Washington State Auditor’s Office which  conducted an investigative audit. They identified some management controls that  needed improvement. The sheriff’s office has since made those improvements and all  necessary corrections.

To this end, the sheriff’s office has incorporated the following system changes:

• Worked with the county auditor’s office to review cash handling policies and procedures in line with industry best practices.

• All funds received, cash or check/money order, are receipted whether received  at a reception desk, through the postal service or other means.

• Deposits are prepared and placed in a bank bag for deposit within 24 hours of  receipt.

• Deposits are reviewed periodically by the office manager to ensure compliance.

The sheriff’s office, together with the county’s department of information services and the county auditor’s office, is conducting research for an electronic receipting, invoicing and accounts receivable system to improve controls and streamline work processes.

“I wish to thank the Washington State Auditor’s Office, as well as the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office, for helping us get our accounts payable program to an excellent program,” said Boyer. “That’s our goal with all we do.”