EEOC gets third consecutive 'unqualified opinion' on annual financial statements

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has earned an unqualified opinion on its 2006 financial statements, the third straight year in which independent auditors have performed an extensive examination of the EEOC's financial records and reported a clean fiscal bill of health for the federal agency.

The audit report is a focus of the EEOC's Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) which the agency has released for Fiscal Year 2006, which ended on September 30. The auditor's judgment signifies that they have performed an extensive examination of the EEOC's financial records and have no reservations regarding the accuracy and fairness of its presentation, as well as the application of generally accepted accounting principles.

The PAR, which is required by the Office of Management and Budget for most federal agencies, highlights the EEOC's efforts to be more customer-centered and results-oriented in accordance with the Presidents Management Agenda.

"I am pleased that the Commission has received an unqualified opinion for the third consecutive year from independent auditors," said EEOC Chair Naomi C. Earp. "This clean fiscal bill of health is another benchmark in our efforts to move forward in the financial management of the agency. I commend the effort of our dedicated staff on these exemplary results."

The EEOC is required to prepare and submit audited financial statements by the Accountability of Tax Dollars Act of 2002, which was signed into law by President Bush on November 7, 2002. Additionally, the Improved Financial Performance component of the Presidents Management Agenda also requires federal agencies to obtain and sustain clean audit opinions in their financial statements.

The EEOC's Chief Financial Officer, Jeffrey A. Smith, said, "In Fiscal Year 2006, guided by an examination and update of our Strategic Plan, the EEOC continued its focus on accountability and results through improved performance metrics, budget planning and sound financial management. We look forward to continuing this record of excellence in Fiscal Year 2007."