Sonoma County seeks community member to join newly established independent audit committee

The Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector‘s Office is seeking a member of the public to join an independent audit committee, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors during its March 25 meeting. The committee will consist of Supervisors Chris Coursey and David Rabbitt, and one member from the community. 

“I’m delighted to see the creation of the audit committee,” said Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We’re not only enhancing the independence of our internal audit function but also ensuring that we continue to operate with the utmost transparency and accountability.”

The committee will play a key role in supporting the Board of Supervisors' oversight duties, ensuring robust risk management practices, and enhancing the independence of the internal audit function. The audit committee will be granted authority to investigate any matter or activity involving financial accounting, financial reporting, compliance and internal controls.

“With authority to investigate all matters related to financial reporting, compliance, and controls, the committee will play a critical role in supporting the Board of Supervisors' oversight,” said Erick Roeser, Sonoma County’s Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector. “The board's action ensures robust risk management practices and helps to safeguard the independence of our internal audit function.”

To be considered for the role, the community member must have significant experience evaluating internal controls, governmental auditing, accounting or internal audit. Community members can apply by visiting the Boards, Commissions, Committees & Task Forces webpage.  

The community volunteer who is selected will serve a four-year term, with the possibility of being reappointed for an additional four-year term. County supervisors will serve staggered two-year terms. No member of the committee will serve more than eight consecutive years. The County Executive, or a selected designee, and the Auditor-Controller—Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office will serve in an advisory role to the committee.

To ensure the committee's success, it will have access to the County’s external professionals to offer advice and counsel on these issues. Among its duties, it will be responsible for reviewing, providing input, and approving the County’s annual risk-based audit plan. It will also ensure that a quality assurance and improvement program has been established and reviewed annually. A final report will be provided to the Board of Supervisors each year. 

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Media Contact:
Gilbert Martinez, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403