**PRESS RELEASE**
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2019
Audit Shows Need for Greater Accountability at Indian Affairs Commission
Contact information: Brianna Ludwig, North Dakota State Auditor’s Office, 701-328-2453, bsludwig@nd.gov
State Auditor Joshua Gallion today released an audit of the Indian Affairs Commission which shows from July 2016 through June 2018, the agency misspent state funds on gift cards totaling nearly $8,000. The report also indicates that the Indian Affairs Commission has not conducted an annual inventory of assets including computers, cell phones, iPads and cameras, and lacks a fraud risk assessment.
"Properly inventorying assets and conducting a fraud risk assessment are tools used to mitigate fraud, waste, and abuse while promoting accountability,” Auditor Gallion said. “The fact that these have been ongoing issues within the Indian Affairs Commission is concerning and increases the probability of misusing funds."
This audit is a result of the State Auditor’s Office statutory responsibility to audit or review each state agency once every two years. The complete audit report can be found on our website, http://bit.ly/NDIndianAffairs.
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The North Dakota State Auditor’s Office is a constitutional office that produces informative audits to improve government. The Office of the State Auditor is a valuable tool for North Dakota state agencies and local government entities, providing an opportunity to improve operations, fiscal responsibility and taxpayer services.