1. The Audit Standards Overseer (ASO) is responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with the requirements set forth by the Department of Revenue. ASOs work closely with the Department of Revenue’s Compliance Division to ensure that businesses are following the rules and regulations.
2. ASOs are hired by the Department of Revenue to oversee audits of business records and financial statements. These audits are conducted to determine if a business is complying with state tax laws. If a business is not compliant, then the ASO may recommend changes to the business’ operations to bring them back into compliance.
3. ASOs are employed by the Department of Revenue at the Regional Office level. Each office oversees a geographic region of the state. There are currently over 1,000 ASOs working throughout the state.
4. ASOs have been around since the early 1990s. Before that time, auditors were called “audit examiners.” In 1999, the name was changed to “Audit Standards Overseers,” and in 2003, the name was again changed to “Audit Standard Overseers.”
5. ASOs are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their certification.
6. ASOs are paid $40 per hour.
7. ASOs are supervised by the Director of Audits.
8. ASOs are trained by the Department of Revenue’s Training Center.
9. ASOs are encouraged to attend training sessions offered by the Department of Revenue and the State Auditor’s Office.
10. ASOs are expected to conduct audits according to the standards outlined by the Department of Revenue, the State Auditor’s Office, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
11. ASOs are expected not to disclose any information about an audit until the results are released.
12. ASOs are expected keep confidential documents related to an audit.
13. ASOs are expected report any findings they find during an audit to the appropriate parties.
14. ASOs are expected make recommendations based on the findings of an audit.