What does the state auditor do?

Oversees spending of tax dollars.

The office is required to perform financial audits on a set schedule. The auditor is also empowered to perform performance audits and investigative audits on his or her own initiative or on the basis of tips given through an anonymous hot line.

Audits are done on educational institutions, state agencies, departments, boards or commissions. The auditor also has authority to audit nonprofit organizations that receive state money.

Agencies are required to open the books for auditors. But the auditor has no authority to act on his or her findings. In some ways, the best tool is publicity. Completed audits are public records.