Deschutes County internal audit team receives national award for second straight year

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Office of Internal Audit has won a 2023 Distinguished Knighton Award from the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA). The two-auditor team also received this national recognition last year.

The Knighton Award recognizes the best performance audit reports each year and is given at two levels: Exemplary and Distinguished. Submissions are evaluated against audit offices of similar size.

Internal Audit’s winning submission, County Continuity and Operations Plan – Initial Assessment, provided an assessment of the County’s continuity of operations plan (COOP). The audit evaluated the COOP’s ability to allow continued levels of service and essential functions following a disruption or crisis.

Comments from the judges:

The audit subject is top of mind for many local governments both after the pandemic and as they manage and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The audit methodology was clearly outlined. The auditors’ use of visuals helped clearly articulate their messaging and capture readers’ attention. Furthermore, the format of the report made it easy for readers to follow along.

ALGA is a national audit association founded in 1985. Organizations from the U.S. and Canada compete in the Knighton Awards program. The competition aims to improve government services by encouraging and increasing levels of excellence among local government auditors.  

Winners were recognized at the ALGA Annual Conference in Seattle on May 6.