Gary Jones for Auditor

Friday, June 18, 2010

I really enjoyed the 3rd annual Chisholm Trail Republican Women's ROUND-UP last night(Thursday June 16th) in Chickasha. Margaret Scott and her team did a great job on the food, decorations and program. I really enjoyed seeing lots of friends and meeting new ones. Thanks guys for letting me help you in the kitchen. It's an honor to be included among your friends. I got a picture at the event with the club members. You can see it at jonesauditor.com http://jonesauditor.com/

Gary

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector is an important elective office. It's critical we have someone in the office that is trustworthy, honest and has a 'nose for corruption.' Gary Jones is that person! Here are some frequently asked questions concerning the State Auditor's office.

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What are the duties of the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector?

The primary function of the State Auditor and Inspector is to account for all of the state’s funds. Twice annually, without notice, the State Auditor and Inspector audits the books and accounts of the Oklahoma State Treasurer and each of the seventy seven (77) county treasurers. At least once annually, the State Auditor and Inspector must audit the accounts of all state officials whose duty is to collect, disburse or manage state funds. The State Auditor and Inspector must also make “continuous examinations” of all District Attorneys and their respective offices.

The State Auditor and Inspector can exercise his powers of his own will or may be requested to do so by the Governor, District Attorneys, County officials, or via initiative petition from Oklahoma voters. Also, a uniform system of bookkeeping for the county treasurers and the State Treasurer is prescribed by the State Auditor and Inspector.

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What if the Auditor during a routine audit finds dishonesty, fraud or practices that are wrong?

If wrongdoing is suspected in the state, county, or local governments, the Auditor and Inspector is empowered to investigate, audit the books of the suspect in question, and make recommendations to solve the problem. If legal problems arise, the State Auditor and Inspector may ask the Attorney General of the state of Oklahoma to investigate and seek legal actions.

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Does the State Auditor have other duties?

Yes. it is the duty of the State Auditor and Inspector to examine all taxes to raise public revenue and to makes certain that they are made according to law and constitutional provisions. The State Auditor and Inspector shall have the power to order all excessive or erroneous taxes to be corrected by the proper officers. The State Auditor and Inspector must report any irregularities in taxes to the Governor, the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate. At least once a year, the State Auditor and Inspector must make an annual report to the Governor on the state and county finances he has inspected. The report must be made on the first day in November every year. The State Auditor and Inspector must also make other reports as the Governor may direct.

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Does the Auditor have a large staff?

The State Auditor and Inspector may employ additional auditors as needed. Also, Deputy State Auditor and Inspectors may be employed at the will of the State Auditor and Inspector, who must have had at least three years experience in municipal accounting in the State of Oklahoma. The functions, duties and terms of office of the Deputy State Auditor and Inspectors is regulated at the discretion of the State Auditor and Inspector.

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How many divisions are included in the State Auditor's office?

Currently there are about 170 employed in the seven divisions in the State Auditors office. They perform a variety of functions. The divisions and their respective duties are:

Administration Division - direct staff of the State Auditor and central services of the office.

Local Government and Special Services Division - assists government entities and subdivisions of the state and local governments in establishing and implementing strong accountability systems.

Gaming & Horse Racing Division - performs the audit function of the electronic gaming machines at licensed horse racing facilities in the state.

Information Services Division - coordinates information technology usage by the Office.

Management Services Division - offers quality management advisory and consulting services to county officers and management of public entities and prescribe accounting procedures and forms to be used by county officials.

Minerals Management Division - ensures that the royalties from producing oil and gas properties on Federal Lands in Oklahoma are correctly reported and paid to the Minerals Management Service, with 50% of all federal royalties going to the State.

State Agency Division - provides accountability of state government through financial audits, compliance audits, attestation engagements, performance audits, and other special audits.

Training/CPE Division - coordinates training courses for the staff and offers such training to other state employees in line with yellow book standards for continuing education credits.