Accounting for Activists redux, this time we peeked under the kimono of the mysterious Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, known by its clever nickname, CAFR.  All government agencies are required to issue a CAFR every year, which details how the agency's funds were actually spent. CAFR is the accountable twin sister to the budget which outlines what a government plans to spend.

The video is available here and the power point presentation is here. Orange County Auditor Controller Eric Woolery and Voice of OC Publisher Norberto Santana hosted the event Sept. 14 to a full house of activists armed with sharp pencils and pointed questions.

Lessons Learned:

• “Roll ups” are grouping of similar funds and accounts for financial reporting purposes.
• The “General Fund” is the County’s main operating fund and represents most of the County’s discretionary spending.
• Last year, there were more than 200,000 transactions in the General Government function, totaling $177,280,122.28 in expenditures.
• The activist can request supporting documents for any functional expenditures of any major fund shown in the CAFR.
   
  

More accounting for activist sessions are planned so stay tuned. If you have questions or topics you would like to see addressed in one of our sessions, please email us at pioac@ac.ocgov.com.

Citing his efforts to make Orange County’s finances more open and transparent to the average taxpayer, Orange County Taxpayers Association honoredAuditor-Controller Eric Woolery with a “Rose” award at the annual Roses and Radishes event.  Presented by OCTAX Board Member Jerry Amante and CEO Carolyn Cavecche, the award recognizes efforts on the part of government agencies to reduce waste, save tax dollars and increase transparency. As the alpha dog leader of 400 accountants Woolery is forging uncharted territory with the popular Accounting 4 Activists series, Fraud Symposium,  user-friendly Citizen’s report, social media and online access to many important county financial documents.

Lutheran High School Senior Claire Arnold Named Honorary Taxpayer Watchdog

When Claire Arnold started on her Senior AP Government and Economics class project, she followed the money right to the Auditor-Controller’s office. She recently interviewed Auditor-Controller Eric Woolery on many aspects of government including transparency and ethics.  Eric, a Lutheran High Alum, told Claire: “The most satisfying aspect of this position is being able to go home at the end of the day and feel like I have both accomplished something for the greater good and also worked hard to serve the public who elected me.”  In recognition of her hard work as an AP student and anticipating future accomplishments, Eric made Claire an honorary Taxpayer Watchdog.