Fiscal Operations Resources

 

                         Institute Releases Inaugural Issue of the

                           Financial Oversight Handbook (11/8/07)

 

  • The Financial Oversight Handbook is designed to be a comprehensive resource for SUNY authorized charter schools in navigating the many facets of financial accountability.  (Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat™ to use the interactive .pdf file.)
   
   
   

                                

  • Consistent with other Institute publications, the Fiscal Oversight Handbook contains a Reader's Guide and a section on Frequently Asked Questions. This Handbook lays out the expectations related to financial accountability and is aligned to the State University’s renewal process and criteria.
  • This Handbook underscores the Institute's belief that the need for school fiscal accountability begins at the application phase and continues throughout the life of a charter school.
  • Stand-alone versions of all Handbook appendices, as well as a sample Accountant's Report, are also posted below in Microsoft Word format for your convenience:

Sample Accountant's Report

Appendix A - State University Charter Renewal Benchmarks (Fiscal)

Appendix B - Selected Internal Control Practices for Charter Schools

Appendix C - Required Charter School Policies

Appendix D - Reporting Deadlines Calendar


Audit Reference Guide, 3rd Edition

                                                    -    Updated 8/23/07  -

School officials are encouraged to share the Guide with their independent auditor or prospective auditor. The auditor should not consider this document to be all-inclusive, or a substitute for professional judgment. Furthermore, the auditor clearly needs to follow professional standards that are referenced but not repeated as part of this document.


The Charter Schools Institute would like to acknowledge the assistance of the staff of the New York State Education Department, school officials, and several audit practitioners and in preparing this document. Comments or questions regarding this Guide should be addressed to the Charter Schools Institute.