About Us
Our Department
The Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General is the chief fiscal watchdog of the Commonwealth. It is responsible for using audits to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent legally and properly.
Your Chief Fiscal Watchdog
The position of auditor general was created by an act of the General Assembly in 1809 and appointed by the governor until 1850, when it became an elected office. The auditor general can serve a maximum of two, four-year terms.
Timothy L. DeFoor is Pennsylvania’s 41st elected auditor general, and the 50th overall to serve in the position.
Our Mission
The mission of the department of the Auditor General is to serve the people of Pennsylvania by improving government accountability, transparency, and the effective use of taxpayer dollars.
Our Audits
As the chief fiscal watchdog of the Commonwealth, we use audits to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent legally and properly.
We are responsible for coordinating four types of audits:
Attestation Engagements, which determine a conclusion on subject matter based on specific criteria.
Compliance Audits, which determine whether auditees are complying with law.
Financial Audits, which assesses the reliability of financial information reported by state government entities.
Performance Audits, which gauge whether government programs and activities are meeting stated goals and objectives.
Our Audit Bureaus
From Municipal Pensions to Fire Relief and more, our department is organized into several bureaus that perform a wide range of audits.
Our Leadership Team
Our department is led by a team of individuals referred to as senior staff. Learn about what they do and their professional experience.
Join Our Team
We’re always looking for the best and brightest in Pennsylvania.
Connect With Us
We post regularly on several social media channels. Follow us to stay up to date with everything that’s happening at the department:
Subscribe to receive emails from the department and gain exclusive access to our latest audits and press releases. You can choose from a variety of categories, so you only receive the information you want.
Our Expenses
The Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General plays a crucial role in maintaining fiscal accountability and transparency within the state’s government. A significant aspect of its operational framework is its personnel and operating expenses, which are vital to ensuring the department’s effectiveness in auditing and oversight functions.
Personnel expenses encompass salaries, benefits, and training costs for auditors and staff, reflecting our commitment to recruiting skilled professionals and fostering their development. Operating expenses include the costs associated with maintaining office infrastructure, technology, and other resources necessary for us to perform our duties efficiently. Together, these expenditures support our department’s mission to deliver accurate and timely financial reviews, contributing to the overall integrity of state financial management.
Answers to FAQs
Have questions? We have answers! Explore quick answers to our most common questions. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.