Management Controls Initiative

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Corporate and public sector financial scandals moved Congress and the federal government to require tighter auditing standards and internal controls, so the County of San Diego Office of Audits and Advisory Services (OAAS) and the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) launched the Management Controls Initiative to focus on financial reporting, compliance, and operational risk management. The Management Controls Initiative (MCI) enhanced the County’s already strong risk management culture by providing uncomplicated tools, processes, and training for all staff to identify quickly and accurately the highest risks to meeting objectives, and to ensure strong and effective controls are in place to mitigate risks. All staff is involved and the ownership of risk within the individual’s scope of responsibility is emphasized. MCI has resulted in greater accountability, more sensible and efficient risk control structure, and streamlined operations, which together help ensure services are effectively provided to the community in challenging financial times.