The county auditor must wear many hats. The following attempts to categorize the most important duties of the office.Key AssistantThe auditor serves as a secretary to the board of county commissioners and the clerk to the county council. The auditor has responsibility for keeping accounts and issuing warrants for the payment of claims against the county. As a result, the board of commissioners, the council and other officials often look to the auditor for day-today operational assistance, information and advice. The auditor is responsible for all documents, books, records, maps and papers deposited in the auditor’s office.Coordinator of Tax Collection and DistributionThe auditor is directly responsible for preparing tax duplicates showing the value of property and taxes assessed against each taxpayer. After taxes are collected by the treasurer, the auditor distributes them to the governmental units and agencies for which they were collected. As a part of the tax function, the auditor must also prepare plats that show the ownership and assessed valuation of each parcel in each township in the county. The plats must contain information prescribed by the State Board of Tax Commissioners and must be kept current. If property taxes become delinquent, the auditor must prepare a delinquency list in preparation for the offering at public sale of the parcels owing delinquent property taxes.County “Comptroller”Many of the above functions have to do with controlling public funds. In keeping accounts and issuing warrants, the auditor must develop financial analysis and cash flow projections and assist with budget preparations. The auditor is the principal financial officer in county government and is defined under IC 36-2-9-2 as the fiscal officer of the county. (Generally see IC 36-2-9 for duties and responsibilities of the county auditor).
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2195752317
As a student of Purdue University, I was able to take classes in business, finance and accounting. This gave me the broad knowledge that would come in handy for future endeavors. As a current Chief Deputy Auditor, and previously a Chief Deputy Treasurer, I have gained hands-on government accounting and government office experience. Whether it's budgeting, working with ledgers, auditing claims, or helping departments with their needs, I have been able to learn and do it all efficiently and lawfully. The hands-on experience in the Treasurer's and Auditor's Offices has prepared me for anything that comes my way if elected as Auditor. I will not have to go through extra training upon being elected, therefore I will be able to make tough decisions beginning day one. This is a win-win for all.
I would like to see a webpage or google doc page created that would allow us to share financial information with everyone throughout county government. Not everyone comes in with government experience, nor do we have a training program in place regarding county and state policies. To have information like this on a shared site would allow department heads and elected officials to be more aware of government allowable expenses as well as county policies regarding spending and financial transactions. If departments could regularly see the state of the finances, I believe it would raise their awareness of spending. Everyone wants their department to be funded well. Having information like this readily available could give us all ownership in what happens financially within the county.
While working in the Auditor's Office, I have found there are many important aspects to county auditing. One important aspect is the internal controls we set to make sure we are operating lawfully. Having good internal controls must begin with proper training of employees. Lack of effective internal controls will lead to over spending, loss of funds, missing funds, etc. When I first came to the office, I found our staff didn't know checking interest should be posted monthly. Over $2.5 million had been sitting in limbo with only one person knowing it existed. Situations like this can leave the county susceptible to fraud. With proper training, and effective internal controls, all aspects of auditing can be done properly, efficiently, and lawfully.
Good service to members of the public starts with good listening skills. It also includes doing what we say we are going to do, and getting the customers needs met to the best of our ability. In addition, we should always be accountable and act with integrity. This includes showing up in the office, even when not required to by statute. Public funds pay our salaries, we should be sure all public funds are used well and not wasted.
Good service to government officials includes the same skills as above. Listening, understanding, follow through, and being present are the basic minimums required for good customer service.
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219-221-3113
I am a Certified Public Accountant and have worked in public and private accounting positions. I completed Leadership LaPorte in 2020 along with training at the international accounting firm, Grant and BSA Wood Badge.
As for knowledge and experience for the office of the Auditor, my career has trained me in areas of accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting.
More directly, I am in my sixth year as a LP County Councilman and served as President in 2023 plus 8 years on a town council. Budgeting is part of the process and as Auditor, the responsibility is to serve the Council to provide clear and concise information in a timely manner so they may make informed decisions.
This varied experience has been invaluable to prepare me for this role.
The role of Auditor is all about sharing complete, accurate and timely financial information. I feel it is vital to expand the County Website to include links for citizens to retrieve information to assist in any dealings with the Auditor's office.
It is critical to have up to date and accurate information to be able to share first. Once systems are in place, the next step would be to create standard reports providing clear and concise information for potential users.
Within county government, as Auditor, there is a need to simplify policies and procedures and inform everyone both within the Auditor's office and in each department to create an atmosphere of cooperation which leads to improved information and avoid errors.
As Auditor it will be my priority to set organization goals and communicate them effectively. Working with the talented people of the office and within county government to establish and document best practices and procedures to work effectively and efficiently. By strengthening internal controls and procedures and working with others in a cooperative and respectful manner, the operations of the office will improve its quality of product to meet deadlines timely.
Setting standards and releasing accurate information will increase the confidence in the Auditor's office and will allow for increased transparency.
Good services to a member of the public will require improvements to the County Auditor's webpage to make information and assistance easier to find. Simply listing documentation needed will save public time and effort. Consistent knowledgeable and friendly service to the public is critical in person, by telephone or digitally.
Good services to government officials starts with respecting those elected by the citizens of LaPorte County and department heads tasked with the daily operation of the county. Working with officials to supply information needed on a timely basis and updating the information as it evolves especially during the budget process.
