Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), of which Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond Averna is president, recently held a special information session led by guest speakers Joseph C. Ferreira and Thomas J. Ruggiero, Partners at Hauppauge-based Albrecht, Viggiano, Zureck & Company, P.C. (AVZ) Certified Public Accountants, addressed the Commissioners on the topic of NYS Comptroller Audits.
Hosted by Albertson Water District Commissioners Howard Abbondondelo, Richard Ockovic and Kenneth Vey, the session’s focus was on the constitutional and statutory objectives of auditing.
“The difference between independent audits and comptroller audits includes scope and materiality,” said Ferreira. “Being thoroughly prepared includes operational and control considerations, especially internal operations, as well as compliance with New York State general municipal law and their own internal policies and procedures.”
“There is a distinct need to have policies for traditional topics such as purchasing, investments, and fixed assets,” added Ruggiero.
Averna commented on the discussion as well.
“The subsequent hands on Q&A session brought deeper discussion of several interrelated topics, including the top 10 internal controls, and delved into important governance issues that concern all member water district commissioners,” he said. “Mr. Ferreira and Mr. Ruggiero graciously enlightened us with their expertise and insights.”
