08-20122-20

SUMMARY OF:A Sunset Review of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Board of Public Accountancy

Why DLA Performed This Audit

The audit’s purpose was to determine if there is a need for the board’s continued existence and whether its termination date should be extended. The board is set to sunset June 30, 2021, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.

Report Conclusions

The audit concludes that the board served the public’s interest by conducting meetings in accordance with state laws, amending certain regulations to improve the public accountancy occupation, and effectively licensing and regulating certified public accountants and partnerships/corporations engaged in the practice of public accountancy. Additionally, the audit found board operations were impacted by travel limitations and improvements to the board’s investigative process are needed to limit periods of inactivity.

In accordance with AS 08.03.010(c)(1), the board is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2021. We recommend that the legislature extend the board’s termination date eight years to June 30, 2029.

Findings and Recommendations

  1. The Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing’s chief investigator should ensure investigations are completed timely.