Issue - meetings

To consider a progress report on the preparation of the Statement of Accounts for 2012/13.

The Committee considered an update on the preparation of the Statement of Accounts for 2012/13.

The Annual Audit Letter for 2011/12 had reported that the Council had significantly improved its closure of accounts process. The accounts presented for audit had contained no material errors and far fewer other errors than in previous years. Supporting audit trails and working papers were also much better.

The next step would be to consider how the audit support process could be organised to shorten the time taken to undertake the audit. Officers were having regular discussions with Grant Thornton on how best to support the audit process. A Final Accounts Workshop was to be provided by CIPFA Finance Advisory Network and Grant Thornton in February and two members of staff were due to attend.

At the Closure Review meeting, a number of issues had been highlighted to be addressed during 2012/13 as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

That the progress with preparations for producing year end accounts be noted.