The President's GEM Award: The Audit Team
At Texas Wesleyan, our strong foundation begins with our financial strength.
The next GEM Award goes to this year’s audit team for ensuring that our FY'14 Audit was sound and clean, and for completing it in record time.
The audit team was led by Caron Patton, CPA, CFP, controller, and was made up of several staff members from both the business office and the cashier’s office:
- Michele Copelin, Assistant Controller
- Branigan Contreras
- Marian Crossley
- Stephanie Franks
- Valerie Havens
- Jane Mitchell
- Janie Pokluda
- Maria Romero
- Alison Smith
- Lisa Wilks
The audit team worked with BKD, LLP, an independent auditor registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, to assure an objective review of our financial statements. We received a clean, unmodified opinion, with no significant deficiencies found in any of our internal controls. This is the highest opinion and rating that is attainable.
The team worked seven-day weeks, giving up break days in the summer, to complete the audit in just three months. They were cheerful, willing and dedicated to delivering their best work for the benefit of the University.
Receiving a clean audit and financial transparency is part of our requirements for SACSCOC accreditation, the highest accreditation for the University, and equally important to university benefactors, students, alumni, faculty and staff members.
Financial stability and vitality is a key building block that is important for all of us as we work toward our 2020 goals. Please help me in showing the audit team our appreciation and gratitude for their hard work.
Fred
Frederick G. Slabach
President
Texas Wesleyan University