In order to strengthen and reinforce accountability, transparency and oversight of government expense claims, the Office voluntarily discloses the travel, training, and business meeting expenses of the Auditor General and her Executive team. The Office also discloses office expenses made through the City Purchasing Card.
The Auditor General’s Office is subject to the following external audits.
Annual Compliance Audit
The Auditor General’s Office undergoes an annual compliance audit by a separate and independent external auditor, appointed by and reporting to City Council. The annual compliance audit provides Council assurance that the Auditor General’s Office is carrying out its operations within delegated authorities and in compliance with applicable City bylaws and policies.
Independent Quality Assurance Review
The Auditor General’s Office complies with Government Auditing Standards. These Standards require that audit organizations undergo an external independent quality assurance review at least once every three years. The objective of a quality assurance review is to determine whether an audit organization’s internal quality control system is in place and operating effectively. A quality assurance review provides assurance that established policies and procedures and applicable auditing standards are being followed.
The Auditor General’s Office underwent its seventh quality assurance review in October 2024. These reviews are done by representatives from the Association of Local Government Auditors, an independent professional body which conducts a significant number of quality assurance reviews throughout the U.S. Read more about all seven reviews done on our Office.
Annual Attest Audit
Section 139 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 requires the City to appoint a licensed auditor who is responsible for annually auditing the accounts and transactions of the City’s finances including its local boards. In an annual attest audit, the auditor performs the procedures and tests considered necessary to gain assurance that the entity’s financial statements are accurate.
The City’s attest audit includes the Office of the Auditor General.