This article sets forth a policy for the selection
of independent certified public accountants for audit purposes.
In selecting such accountants, the County Board
shall publish notice of intent to receive proposals for the audit
of the funds and accounts of McLean County, Illinois. This notice
shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in McLean
County at least three weeks prior to the selection of the accountant
for the next fiscal year.
The Board shall review proposals from all firms
that express an interest. The firm that conducted the most recent
audit shall be eligible to submit a proposal for consideration by
the Board.
The selection of the independent certified public
accountants should be based on professional competence and experience
as demonstrated by a high level of attainment in professional practice.
Therefore, the Board should consider such factors as:
A. Professional qualifications of individuals to be assigned
to audit, as evidence by:
(2) Professional
certifications;
(3) Continuing
professional educational attainments; and
(4) Previous
experience, especially in the field of general audit of governmental
units.
B. Professional reputation recognized in the financial
markets.
C. Number of locally based personnel available for audit
engagement.
D. Proposed fee arrangements.
E. Recommendations of the County Administrator, County
Auditor and County Treasurer.
Due to the value of a continuing relationship
with its independent certified public accounting firm and due to the
administrative difficulties and inefficiencies ensuing from frequent
changes, the County Board should normally reappoint the same firm
of independent accountants until that firm has served for a period
of at least three years. After this period of time, the County Board
shall consider whether to select a different accounting firm. A policy
of change in auditors is not of prime importance and should not take
precedence over professional competence and experience.