Auditors have raised objections to Cheshire East’s financial statements. Review is underway, with findings due later.
Michael Beanland chairs the committee. He asked about the objections’ nature. Were they broad or specific concerns? He also inquired about timing.
Rohimun said there were four objections. They relate to governance matters. They plan to finish reviewing them in March.
Findings go to the council and objector. The council can give more info. The objector can also respond. April should see the matter’s conclusion. The council will pay extra audit fees.
Sue Adams is a councillor. She criticized the council’s basic finance work. The audit showed irregular bank reconciliation.
A reconciliation shows bank balance matches records. It lists deposits and withdrawals. This covers a set period.
The audit said finance changes caused the issue. They also had staff capacity problems that year. The March year-end reconciliation finished in October.
The report called reconciliation fundamental. Management must ensure monthly updates. Councillor Adams found this lapse unbelievable.
The council told her it’s normally monthly. They are current now. Staffing issues caused the delay in 2023/24. The committee learned the finance team now has full staff.