This page provides MRSC-created tools, checklists, and templates to assist in the preparation and planning of key financial documents for cities and counties in Washington State.

Auditing

• Audit Preparation Checklist
• Federal Single Audit Checklist

Budgeting

• Budget Preparation Checklist for Small Entities
• Budget Document Scorecard – Overhauled in 2020!
• Glossary of Budget Terms
• Sample Budget Ordinance
• Sample Budget Request Letter
• Sample Budget Message

Compliance

• 2020 Legal Compliance Calendar for Clerk/Treasurers and Finance Departments – Please note that some deadlines may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will attempt to keep this document up-to-date to reflect any revised deadlines.

Financial Reporting

• Annual Financial Report Preparation Checklist (cities, towns, counties)
• Annual Financial Report Preparation Checklist (special purpose districts)
• Checklist for Internal Review of Annual Financial Report

Purchasing

• Find Your Contracting Requirements – Provides statutory competitive bidding thresholds and requirements for every local government entity

Recommended Resources from Other Organizations

• GFOA: Sample Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• WA State Auditor's Office: Government Resources Database – Tools, best practices, checklists, and other documents to help government work better
  • Internal Control Checklist for Local Governments
  • Internal Control Checklist for Cash Receipting
  • Internal Controls Checklist for Payroll Systems
  • Segregation of Duties: Essential Internal Controls – The self-assessment checklist in Appendix B is also available to download as a separate Excel spreadsheet