The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), which is comprised of commissioners from 21 water districts across Long Island, recently held a Special Information Session. Guest speakers Joseph C. Ferreira and Thomas J. Ruggiero, Partners at Hauppauge-based AVZ & Co. P.C. Certified Public Accountants, addressed the Commissioners on the topic of “NYS Comptroller Audits.” Albertson Water District Commissioners Howard Abbondondelo, Richard Ockovic and Kenneth Vey hosted the session.
The focus was on the constitutional and statutory objectives of auditing. “The difference between independent audits and comptroller audits includes scope and materiality,” Mr. Ferreira stated. “Being thoroughly prepared includes operational and control considerations, especially internal operations, as well as compliance with NYS policies and procedures.”
Mr. Ruggiero added, “There is a distinct need to have policies for traditional topics such as purchasing, investments, bonding and use of monies. In today’s world, IT, disaster recovery and business continuity must also have policies in place.”
NSWCA President Raymond Averna commented, “The subsequent hands during the Q&A session brought deeper discussion of several interrelated topics, including the Top 10 internal controls, and delved into important governance issues that concern all member District Commissioners. Mr. Ferreira and Mr. Ruggiero graciously enlightened us with their expertise and insights