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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTechnical QualificationsSection The audit for the City will be conducted from our office located at 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 810, Coral Gables, FL 33134. The phone number of the office is 305-442-8801 and the fax numbers is 305-442-7478. SKJ is located in the City limits of the City of Miami, Florida. Our office address is 782 NW LeJeune Road, Suite 650, Miami, Florida 33126, whereat all of our proposed audit professionals will be based to perform the work. M4 ,1�.�,i I I� Ikl All of the following projects listed are engagements of similar scope of services to those requested in the RFP, and were performed by McGladrey & Pullen's Florida practice as the prime contractor. irrl 15 each Colin Odd Services provided: Audit of Basic Financial Statements Compliance Audits Contact: Date: Total fees paid to firm Richard Roberts 301 N. Olive Avenue, Suite 702-76 West Palm Beach, FL 33402 (561) 355-2580 phone; (561) 799-4160 fax 2006 — Present $600,000/year Services provided: Contact: Date: Total fees paid to firm Audit of Basic Financial Statements GASB 34 Implementation Assistance M. Beach Visitor and Convention Authority M. Beach Convention Center & Jackie Gleason Theatre Accounting Assistance Compliance Audits Patricia Walker, CFO 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-7000 x6461 phone; (786) 394-4461 fax 2006 — Present $203,0001year Services provided: Audit of Basic Financial Statements Compliance Audits Assistance with CAFR and Basic Financial Statements Accounting Assistance Contact: Suzette Sibble, Finance Director 100 W. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (954) 786-4605 phone; (954) 786-4687 fax Date: 2005 — Present Total fees paid to firm: $127,0001year Services provided: Contact: Date: Total fees paid to firm: • • Audit of Basic Financial Statements Compliance Audits Assistance with CAFR and Basic Financial Statements Accounting Assistance Don Nelson, Finance Director 405 Biltmore Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 460-5275 phone; (305) 460-5376 fax 2004 — Present $81,0001year Services provided: Audit of Basic Financial Statements Compliance Audits Contact: Date: Total fees paid to firm: David Russek 9551 W. Sample Road Coral Springs, FL 33065 (954) 344-1088 phone; (954) 344-1198 fax 2006 $92,000/year We are including a copy of the 2006 CAFR which was prepared for the City of Miami Beach as a separate attachment to this proposal. The following is a list of engagements within the last five years similar in scope of services to those requested by the City. :Ii arni 1. h±l' i. MxMri" 7Hd Miami -Dade County became a client in 1997. As the subcontractor auditors, we assist in the completion of the audits of the General Segment, the Solid Waste Department and the Seaport. We also assist in performing the audit of their federal and state grants, in addition to assisting in the issuance of a number of other special reports. • Annual Value of Contract: $160,000 • Term of Contract: 1997-2002, 2003-2008 • Contact: Blanca Padron, Controller • Telephone: (305) 375-3637 • Address: 111 N.W. 1st Street, Suite 2550, Miami, FL 33128 7rlu ! k O l ff 0 raia, Finrida The School Board became a client in 1998. As the subcontractor auditors, we assist in the completion of the financial statement audit and the audit of the School Board's federal grants. • Annual Value of Contract: $66,000 • Term of Contract: 1997-2002, 2003-2007 • Contact: Alan Vann, Chief Auditor • Telephone: (305) 995-1436 • Address: 1450 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Room 415, Miami, Florida 33132 rlj if rVi4'f6 l if7,;!'bt`I The City of Miami became a client in 1996. As the subcontractor auditors, we assist in the completion of the financial statement audit and the audit of the City's federal and state grants, in addition to assisting in the issuance of a number of other special reports. • Annual Value of Contract: $52,500 • Term of Contract: 1996-2000, 2003 • Contact: Scott Simpson, Former Finance Director • Telephone: (305) 373-6789 • Address: 444 S.W. 2nd Avenue, 6th Floor, Miami, Florida 33131 011 0 The City of Hialeah became a client in 1998. As the subcontractor auditors, we assist in the completion of the financial statement audit and the audit of the City's federal and state grants, in addition to assisting in the issuance of a number of other special reports. • Annual Value of Contract: $33,000 • Term of Contract: 1998-2006 • Contact: Alex Vega, OMB Director ■ Telephone: (305) 883-5858 The City of Miami CRA became a client in 2003. As the primary auditors, we provide a financial statement audit and a review of the CRA's internal controls. • Annual Value of Contract: $43,000 • Engagement Partner: Richie Tandoc • Contact: Miguel Valentin, Finance Officer • Telephone: (305) 679-6810 • Address: 49 N.W. 5th Street, Suite 100, Miami, Florida 33128 Engagement Team Jim Walch Donnovan Maginley Chantelle Knowles Sally 011a Ola O • SKJ's recent and current governmental projects, either as primary contractors or subcontractors, include Miami -Dade County General Segment and Aviation Department (FYE 9/30), School Board of Miami -Dade County, Florida (FYE 110 6/30), School District of Palm Beach County, Florida (FYE 6/30), Miami -Dade Expressway Authority (FYE 6/30), City . of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (FYE 9/30), and North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (FYE 9/30). Current & Projected Workload Palm Beach County, City of Miami Beach, City of Palm Beach Gardens, City of Coral Springs City of Miami Beach, City of Pompano Beach, City of Palm Beach Gardens City of Miami Beach No conflicting engagement with her schedule while assigned to the City's engagement Danae Vasco and SKJ's other staff members that will be assigned to the City's audit will not have any other client responsibilities that will conflict with this proposed engagement. fk Included on the following pages is a copy of the external quality control review report dated September 15, 2004 as prepared by BKD, LLP for the accounting and auditing practice of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP for the year ended April 30, 2004. This quality control review included a review of one of our government entities. The full report, an "Attachment to the Peer Review Report of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP" and our Letter of Response to the report are being provided to you, on the following pages, to comply with requirements of Government Auditing Standards. We trust that after reading the attached you will recognize that McGladrey & Pullen, LLP's quality control policies and procedures for performance of audits in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards continue to meet the high standards set by the AICPA. Also included on the following pages is a copy of the external quality control review report dated December 27, 2001 as prepared by Ernst & Young, LLP for the accounting and auditing practice of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP for the year ended April 30, 2001. The report contains a modification and recommendation. The modification refers to instances of noncompliance noted in "certain recently merged practices." However, as further noted in the report, none of these audit engagements for which instances were noted involved audits performed under Government Auditing Standards. Please note that the Firm did not receive a separate letter of comment from Ernst & Young, LLP. The full report, an "Attachment to the Peer Review Report of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP" and our Letter of Response to the report are being provided to you to comply with requirements of the Government Audit Standards. We trust that after reading the attached you will recognize that McGladrey & Pullen, LLP's quality control policies and procedures for performance of audits in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards continue to meet the high standards set by the AICPA. SK A copy of SKJ's two most recent external peer review reports dated 10/22/04 and 11/30/01 can be found on the following pages. The scope of the reviews included government, non-profit and for -profit engagements. Wi r"E. 91'1 '0 4 Iotit: Partners of \le(dadre\ K Pullen;. 1_I.I' and the Center roe Public Comptuiv A t6';l I iI It6 peer I(C.\ ieN (o:'.IIn IIieC nits con \V'e hayc rev ievved ;he ,vstem u(Iluaily control or the accounting and auditing practice or f\fflc(iladre & Pullen. I 1.1" (Ihc Firm] applicable to non -SC(' issuers Ili ctleet 10r Ills v car cndeci April ill. 2(i0- . the Platt's accounting and auditing pr IoIice applicable to SI .(' issuers v\;;. not reviewed by us .since the Pnhi1C Contp:inv Accounting (Jvels 0Ill Boated (I"( AO13) is re:ponsibie for insfxetiig that portion of the I illi's :ircountin_ and auditing priellee in :Ixo .Inee v+ith PC:AOFi reyuiremcros. .A .vstem of yu;llity control eneontpzsscs the I irm'n ur :utlzationai 0Iruclure find the policies adopted and proceures estabIishecl to provide i1 vv itlr rcason:Iislc slssuranee nl conipIv ing with proles:ional I he;dement, ol'1 ,111ty control are described in the Sl:u0Irtenls on Oualitn Control SI:;nd:trds issued by the American Institute or Certified Public Accountants (the .AICI':Af. I he design of the .vstem. ;and contliliancc v+idi il. are the responsibilities orthe I drat. Our rrsponslniliu s u, (\press :u; opinion n 1 Ihr Jesiea 01.1ltc .v stem. and the ('dos eunipli:u;er v.\ illi th:11 .7-.\ stem 1 ised on o(:r rev Ic.\.\ (htr review \vas conducted in accordance vvitd standards est:lhli' ic,'. (0 the Peer Re\iev.\ Committee ur ifle Center l 1r Public Compan.\ .Audit I irmuuid included procedures to plan :ud perforni the re.\ie.\v tInc arc swlitnariirvf in the moodiest description oh the peer rev ievv process. Our revievv would not noeessaril.\ (disclose all vvcahnesses in the s.\arnt oryualil.\ control or all instances or lack of compliance vv 1111 It since h vv:, based OH seleeti\e teals. lice:t,se Ihcre :uc inLerenl lilnit:11inns in (Itr ellceliycncss orr.u.\..\.teal oryt;llio. come, 1. dep;u:ire- from the nv steal ns:v oe(ilr and not he detected. M.o. projection or env ev alu;uion of a wear, of (oath.\ control u, 1Ltur periods is suhjeet to the risk that the:.\.lent orquality control niav become inadequate: because of changes in conditions. or that the degree of eonipiiance with the policies or procedures Inadeteriorate. In our opinion. the svateni of (tali)) control fur the aecountinc and auditing practice applicable to the non-1GC issuers or 'Ie(iladrev Fallon. I.I.I' in effect for the .\car ended April i(l. 200-i. has been desiri.ned to meet the requirements of the quality control standard)) for an aecowlting and auditing practice established by the AICI',A. and vvtls complied with during the year (hen ended to pro.\ ide the I irm chit rc:lsonahle assurance complying vyhit applicable nrohessiunal .I,mdards. Sobtloas ler As is customer.\ in a peer rev icvv. vee have issued a letter under tins date that sets lirrth comments Success relating to certain policies and procedures or compliance .\v 'oh Iheln. the matters described in the (tree v.\ere not considered to he of sufficient significance to affect the opinion espres cd in this report. 3 /< September if). 21c14 Attachment to the Peer Review Report of NIcGlacirey S.: Pullen, I.I.P Description of the l'eer Review Process ()verview t tic 1,A • ( ''''' coII1r0: 1,111..0,11,11• ,,1111111111. N,1161111:1 I /,1 14/,1,1,111 1,, 11, 11,1 11111111:111,1 11‘,11-S11 1,..1/C, 11, 1,11 LI,,I.',2.11,1J li,111,1,1 114,1.111 (1,1,11, 111 111(1. d.011,110(, ,111,11 ‘,11,1411,'," \ 1( \ .‘1.11-111 • io nor.-`.1 1,, ph., 111C 1-11111 ,1111 11••11,1/11,... 1,1:11011 111,2 ;11\11,:••1011;1 •11,910,11.1, \ 10 011 1,1k.,10., ,11.3 1.1,,11'1111: 4111! IL '0,1 .• 4.1 14,,.1` 1/10 . Id,II, Lim, 1.:114 tl/H111.11:. 1101 ;110 1,..t1111„ 1,11111,y, / 10 1:11.1 111,11N.6141.1J 1.11 .11,111 0,11k111,10.1 irlyy yym,,r Id, '',11(111( Id, J.1,111,111., 1111, 11111 41111,1p, h 01,1 4 th,,,,11111,11. /L1( ,•1,11),1•1,1, ‘, 0.1111111410111•L 1t110141h, 1'441. iti11•111,1, •21,11 TC), /1,1,111, ,4114 ht..\1,11,•1 • 1.1,,,'10•11,14(' ,p0.0 :.:::: 0: L. k.11.1.11:111, ,11,44,11,1111:, y wyy,, 111:111,I, j1,11,1i,to, ,o ( oy 1. i., CdpIS 1111: tic:, I I I g Ting. av1,1.1A. ,1,11, 111,11 11,:,11,11/1 /111,011N (,, col,. ol 0‘11.4. 10 / 11.1:11 11114:11 .1“1.1.11111111,4 011,11441, 11140144' • 1, 01, .11 11 111..r1.111tC. 1NC .110 11, :011,1 ,'11111 "- .1k....0/11111111: 0.0111f/11; 511.1,1:1r. 14)01,6,10 '0 I'lannint; 1hr 12e,•,,, !or 111e cronnling and \ ‘111/11l.:11/1V 1,1 ‘111.1-‘4.i I \‘,"•,1,,' 44 ,h1:11,,i. ;61, “0111,1,4,1,4.10. ,14,11111.1 111(10 41,1,111 111 111, 1-11,11• ,101\11/h1,1'.:..1 1114!0 audi:lan:.; ;11,1 2) 41,, :1:01,c41 onal.roi rkiy. • 1:4j,,c1,10 risk, v1,.1, 444e44447; P111,././.71.1. ,111:11 11, ol ::11:42 1,11:10r 01. (.11111pN.A11) 111 1110, 1.11,V111,. 11111.: 01:4,111/4/101/ Y1.111, 4,1111, 1,1/11401111.10 1111i1 111,11, .111.11, (.0;1,0 ll,cd,':I011 :. pro,, III, r•'"111.1.11C(1 r:r;11'. ce11,1::0; prc.cn1*. 11, p,'OOTri,n1., ol Cli!..,1t2,11101;N 1'111,1110111,1 0171114 .,1111111,11,44101141114.11111:11-117, l'rriorrniou he Re, ks, for the Firrn's \ cenimiing oditing pplic:thIc in Nim-S1 Issiicrs ou c11011,1‘1,11,44 0: and conn-oi 11111,,• 1111,1 ..1,(111V1111•111, 1•11111,1 111044 /11111, (or ionyil,in, 1.!, Still, id +011011) ‘11111:.1,0 111,: • 1441 111,111,1,0 • 1,Trorma ,:n,:cr (10,..rnr-,71: DICR. Loi,111. 01 I 111/s1t,441 031:144111 01111144,11.0 (114'.,,,1111,111, ,11 dye ay.y.,,tolymy.2 yy I k rc.1,•• 111411.,1,1 I I, .,111, or' 1112 r,,,r 417,1 v, oh and p:ok..jur,. in: II, ,141444s or .41.1IT: omtrol cyy:rr.linitlyy and. ; dcor:piancc col,lim;“;.:,. clic,1, 4112 1'6, 14 roloy, yyy.: of dnd d niggling 01,1 • Trading, raid rggigningraitinran„ tlP ewaeom o tie I';ulners of vlcCiladrev & .1-I' and the Center for Public Conip inv Audit irms Peer Review Comminee e have re%-Teweu the system of quality control liar the accounting and auditing practice of Ylc(iladre) & Pullen. I I.I' (the blear) npplicanle to non-SI[C issuers in cllect liar the v ear ended April +0. 20O4 and have issued ow repuri thereon dated September I'. 2100-1. ll[he matters described below were not considered to he of suflicienl si_niticance to indeed Ilir opinion CKpressed in that report. which should hi read in conjunction vc'ith this kltcr. Engagement Performance ('n,nnrrur - the Firm hats co nprchcnsivr policies and p,'ucedurra the supery isior, ol engagemenu personnel and review (If their work. inrludim, assuring that procedures performed uul lindines ;md conclusions have been adcn t tiety documented- i islances were noted in our review. as vv-ell as in the lien's internal inspeei r . where (i) audit work performed and the related conclusions wire nut Iulb (iocuntenteti, (ii) minor performance issues related to the execution of the engagement were not detce0.V, or (ill) there vrere inconsisieucles hetvveet ;m0Tl docuntetation and related conclusions. Fla/nigh discussion with liim personnel .and the review of atditianal documentation prepared oft the engagements Mut led to this eonnnen:. in each instance we were smislied than the conclusions reached were appropriate in the circum<enccs. RCe,tnrtt u Iilhur - r C teontnteo(1 111a; the I-inm rcinlhrce its review ;end super\ isiun policies anti procedures through enhanced training and consider other practices ;timed ;t Cuntinuall improving. the consistent) of their n tIoi mote. ('„ntnw,tr -I he I�inns pulicio ;In(1 procedures encourage engagement tenons to consult with the National Office of Audit & Accounting or other persons outside of the engagement team whenever they encounter situations where the) lack sufficient knowledge or experience and identify certain matters for which consultation is required. Our peer review and Ilse internal inspection identified several engagements than had accounting or auditing issues that were significant. unusual or nonrecurring and for which consultation should have but did not occur. In SoluliOlts each instance. the matters were not on the l'irm"s inquired consultation fist. (examples. included 101 reporting considerations related to client imposed scope limitations and accounting for Success unconsolidated subsidiaries. The Pirm's National Office was subsequently. consulted. which resulted. in certain cases. in conclu.dons that were different from those reached by the engagement team. A4e agree with the actions taker f,(lovving the consultation with the National 011ice. mu; kccwani ndalioa - l he I.irnl should R v icy+ the 11,1 u11:uule , !Mal rycir. Aalit/nal OI I ICC .4aSulta11011. [he I-i i ,huu]d also cmpI i, iie Ihal tn;II Ifni should not r,o ;1, slli—Inciuslre I,ngaecmcnt Icams should he eilLo;:ra_ed to L'on,ull wll, F.• Ixnnnntic i nil. Kollional or A;fiional ie, N%none‘erIhe' ;Ire,so:Go:aeti ��it:',.rrmpie� i>sue�-ur :11F)SailionS [il;li occl11 the ntl,InLO or .1:o ❑2', 1011:C clllily ;,• l'll_:_CilCllt teuiii. /,p tiehicm her ; �. 2II04 McGladrey& Pullen Certified Public Accountants Srpl(-n;bcr 16. 2004 Center tn' Itlhh(' ('wnpany Audit 1=irn:, I'. r Rev iot, Comm lee (',/o .Vmei-ican Institute ofCertified PublicAreounUuts Practice Nlonitorin;g I)ep:'tnu•nt iarborsicle Financial Centel u 1 l'laza'I'hn•o .IerSec Cite. N.I o$'3II-348I Lad'', ;Intl (lenllenu•n! his letter reprex I1 out' respunsc ;he Iotu•r of comment, issued in connection kith our first's peer reyiovS for the yeas ee.dcd 11161 ;;ct, •Sll(.4 and should be read in conjunction ‘,itlt that letter. Implementation ul the actions set out in this tenet i he closeh monitored our Audit and Aeoun11"•' Specialists and will lu given cmpit;i,i, duns•„ our annual inspection progra ni. The Firm gill issue c(,mmunication 1u alf iu nfcssional, to fo( ,rs their auentiun un the matte:noted during the peer i'eet• review results and action stop, kill he atiC•t.csed in ronncetion tti11t continuing professional education for partners and professional staff. he con1l 111 icaliom arnl tl limn dexriix>tl abo“c iyiil fncn, nn (1) the re,pun,ibililles u1 wauager; d hartix r rovietrcrs. (ii ) the I•irm , ""n(. cs and ;gnid;ni1 '1 to snpcn i,iun and n"vic•w. and (in) doenmentntinn requirements related to procedures performed, findings and conclusions. In ad(iltion, the Firm gill evaluate the content of its exis1111,q mama; er nuuiulh oilich is included iu its c•xistim_ continuin:2.prolcssi( ;tl rthicatiun curriculum. The I,lr n'n National (Alice of Audit and Accounting periodicalb-cvahiatcs t'hclhcr items should be added Iu urdeleted from the list of required consultations. AVe v' ill underiake to do so prior to 1h•cemher at. 2uu4. f n addition. In connection (cith the communication and h-ainin14 dcs(rihed above, the firm will cmphasixe that the list should not be considered all-inclusive and its expectation that its professionals seek assistance from persons possessing specialized knowledge and expertise \vileilever Ihoc encounter situations whore they lock sufficient knowledge or experience. /// & / 4w e , L �� PEER REVIEW REPORTS I ERNST &YOUNG I I P McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and the SEC Practice Section Peer Review Committee r 787 Seventh Avenue r Phone: 212 773 3000 New York, New York 10019 We have reviewed the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP (the Firm) in effect for the year ended April 30, 2001. A system of quality control encompasses the Firm's organizational structure and the policies adopted and procedures established to provide it with reasonable assurance of complying with professional standards. The elements of quality control are described in the Statements on Quality Control Standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the AICPA). The design of the system, and compliance with it, are the responsibilities of the Firm. In addition, the Firm has agreed to comply with the membership requirements of the SEC Practice Section of the AICPA Division for CPA Firms (the Section). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the design of the system, and the Firm's compliance with that system and the Section's membership requirements based on our review. Our review was conducted in accordance with standards established by the Peer Review Committee of the Section and included procedures to plan and perform the review that are summarized in the attached description of the peer review process. Our review would not necessarily disclose all weaknesses in the system of quality control or all instances of lack of compliance with it or with the membership requirements of the Section since it was based on selective tests. Because there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of quality control, departures from the system may occur and not be detected. Also, projection of any evaluation of a system of quality control to future periods is subject to the risk that the system of quality control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, except for the effects of the matter described below, the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP in effect for the year ended April 30, 2001, has been designed to meet the requirements of the quality control standards for an accounting and auditing practice established by the AICPA, and was complied with during the year then ended to provide the Firm with reasonable assurance of complying with professional standards. Also, in our opinion, the Firm complied during that year with the membership requirements of the Section in all material respects. Reason for Modified Opinion and Recommendation Deficiency. The Firm has quality control policies and procedures that require a review by an audit and accounting specialist before the issuance of an audit report to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with professional and Firm standards. However, we noted instances in certain recently merged practices where the pre -issuance reviews by audit and accounting specialists should have been more comprehensive. As a result, in these recently merged practices, we noted instances of noncompliance with Firm policies and procedures pertaining to documenting an understanding of certain audit risk factors, the review and assessment of major and unusual transactions and the client's revenue recognition policies; and some audit engagements (not involving SEC registrants, insured financial institutions or audits performed under Government Auditing Standards) did not comply with professional standards. In each of these cases, appropriate auditing and other follow-up procedures have been performed. Recommendation: The Firm informed us that it has strengthened the effectiveness of the pre -issuance reviews in newly merged practices by having them performed or monitored by audit and accounting specialists experienced in Firm policies prior to the issuance of audit reports. We concur with the Firm's action taken, which is more fully described in its response to this letter. ;•.4/$4,t- -14 you4itilT New York, New York December 27, 2001 p McGLADREY&PULLEN, LLP 1 m Certified Public Accountants r r r March 20, 2002 r r r SECPS Peer Review Committee r SEC Practice Section Harborside Financial Center 201 Plaza Three Jersey City, NJ 07311-3881 r Ladies and Gentlemen: This is our letter of response to the modified peer review report issued by Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y) in connection r with our Firm's peer review for the year ended April 30, 2001. r The Firm has quality control policies and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that the personnel of accounting and auditing practices acquired by merger will comply with professional and Firm standards. The quality r control policies and procedures include a comprehensive plan, consisting of due diligence, training of personnel and monitoring, facilitated through a timely deployment of Firmwide resources. During the peer review year, the Firm planned and executed the acquisition of nine significant audit and accounting practices. The nine merged practices r represented 18% of our audit and accounting hours during the peer review year. Our quality assurance system r requires that each merged practice immediately adopt our quality control policies and procedures, including the pre - issuance review of audit reports and certain related audit documents by an audit and accounting specialist. r r r r <� r r r We have revised Firm policy to require that the Matters for Partner Attention Memo, which is prepared on each audit r engagement, include a summary of (i) the auditor's understanding of the client's revenue recognition policies and our r assessment of compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, and (ii) the procedures the auditor employed to identify and audit all major and unusual transactions and nonstandard joumal entries. The Matters for r Partner Attention Memo is subject to pre -issuance review by an audit and accounting specialist. /A-eeez.4../ r The peer review report identifies certain instances of noncompliance with professional standards and Firm policies in certain merged practices. These instances were isolated in four merged practices and approximately one half of the instances of noncompliance with professional standards were isolated in one merged practice. None of the instances of noncompliance with professional standards involved audits of an SEC registrant, an insured financial institution or an entity subject to audit in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. i The Firm has strengthened the effectiveness of the pre -issuance reviews by audit and accounting specialists in newly merged practices by requiring them to be performed, or monitored prior to the issuance of the audit report, by audit and accounting specialists experienced in Firm policies. 11 , OPt, )4P't " Uao L McKean Paul, Chrycy Fletcher 86, Co. certified public accountants r Rani Snu thwaat R7th Av n11P Suitt? 71O Miami, Florida 33173 To the Partners of Sanson, Kline, Jacomino & Company, LLP Phnna /RnS) 77n_nRRn FaX (R0.51 .54R-1011 www.mpcf.com October 22, 2004 We have reviewed the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of Sanson, Kline, Jacomino & Company, LLP ("the firm") in effect for the year ended May 31, 2004. A system of quality control encompasses the firm's organizational structure and the policies adopted and procedures established to provide it with reasonable assurance of conforming with professional standards. The elements of quality control are described in the Statements on Quality Control Standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("the AICPA"). The design of the system and compliance with it are the responsibility of the firm. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the design of the system, and the firm's compliance with the system based on our review. Our review was conducted in accordance with standards established by the Peer Review Board of the AICPA. In performing our review, we obtained an understanding of the system of quality control for the firm's accounting and auditing practice. In addition, we tested compliance with the firm's quality control policies and procedures to the extent we considered appropriate. These tests covered the application of the firm's policies and procedures on selected engagements. Because our review was based on selective tests, it would not necessarily disclose all weaknesses in the system of quality control or all instances of lack of compliance with it. Because there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of quality control, departures from the system may occur and not be detected. Also, projection of any evaluation of a system of quality control to future periods is subject to the risk that the system of quality control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or because the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Our review disclosed that the firm's policies and procedures for 1) personnel management regarding participation in industry specific continuing professional education, and 2) documentation of monitoring its system of internal control were not followed in a manner to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of conforming to professional standards. This matter is discussed in more detail in our letter of comments dated October 22, 2004. In our opinion, except for the deficiencies described in the preceding paragraph, the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of Sanson, Kline, Jacomino & Company, LLP in effect for the year ended May 31, 2004, has been designed to meet the requirements of the quality control standards for an accounting and auditing practice established by the AICPA, and was complied with during the year then ended to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of conforming with professional standards. McKEAN, PAUL, CHRYCY, FLETCHER & CO. 0 01 42" JOSEPH M. FILLOY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT, P.A. NEW WORLD TOWER - SUITE 700 MEMBER 100 NORTH BISCAYNE BOULEVARD AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS MIAMI, FLORIDA 33132 FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS TEL.: (305) 373-7515 - FAX: (305) 373-6620 November 30, 2001 To the Shareholders SANSON, KLINE, JACOMINO & COMPANY, LLP We have reviewed the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of SANSON, KLINE, JACOMINO & COMPANY, LLP (the firm) in effect for the year ended May 31, 2001. A system of quality control encompasses the firm's organizational structure and the policies adopted and procedures established to provide it with reasonable assurance of conforming with professional standards. The elements of quality control are described in the Statements of Quality Control Standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The design of the system and compliance with it are the responsibility of the firm. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the design of the system and the firm's compliance with the system based on our review. Our review was conducted in accordance with standards established by the Peer Review Board of the AICPA. In performing our review, we obtained an understanding of the system of quality control for the firm's accounting and auditing practice. In addition, we tested compliance with the film's quality control policies and procedures to the extent we considered appropriate. These tests covered the application of the firm's policies and procedures on selected engagements. Because our review was based on selective tests, it would not necessarily disclose all weaknesses in the system of quality control or all instances of lack of compliance with it. Because there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of quality control, departures from the system may occur and not be detected. Also, projection of any evaluation of a system of quality control to future periods is subject to the risk that the system of quality control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or because the degree of compliance with the polices or procedures may deteriorate. To the Shareholders SANSON, KLINE, JACOMINO & COMPANY, LLP Page two November 30, 2001 In our opinion, the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of SANSON, KLINE, JACOMINO & COMPANY, LLP in effect for the year ended May 31, 2001, has been designed to meet the requirements of the quality control standards for an accounting and auditing practice established by the AICPA and was complied with during the year then ended to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of conforming with professional standards. Certified Public Accountant, P.A. There has been no regulatory action taken by any oversight body against the Firm or the South Florida office group. In addition, as a result of the Federal Government and the State of Florida randomly selecting governmental audit engagements to be reviewed, several McGladrey & Pullen, LLP engagements have been reviewed under that process during the last three (3) years. The reviews resulted in no findings or deficiencies. SKJ has not had any federal or state desk reviews of its audits during the past three years. M&P stays abreast and is well aware of the activities of the various accounting and auditing standard -setting bodies such as the AICPA, GASB, FASB and the Auditor General, State of Florida. We maintain a close affiliation with professional groups within the government industry, including GFOA and FGFOA. We actively participate in the standard -setting process through our membership affiliations and our process of responding to various exposure drafts issued by the GASB and FASB. Based on our experience and direct involvement with the standard setting bodies, M&P is in a unique position to provide the City with analysis of current accounting, auditing and financial reporting pronouncements and their potential impact on the City. As your auditors, this will allow us to keep the City appraised of emerging issues, including regulatory and technical developments that could affect financial reporting and business operations. News r tntli '�� I f""d,ir4k';kf!rt�. ;(ko;;t The following is a description and brief explanation of the impact of significant accounting pronouncements that may affect the City in the near future: GASB Statement No. 43 — Financial Reporting for Postemployment Benefit Plans Other Then Pension Plans will be effective for the City beginning with its year ending September 30, 2008. This statement establishes uniform financial reporting standards for OPEB plans and supersedes the interim guidance included in Statement No. 26, Financial Reporting for Postemployment Healthcare Plans Administered by Defined Benefit Pension Plans. The approach followed in this Statement generally is consistent with the approach adopted in Statement No. 25, Financial reporting for Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Note Disclosures for Defined Contribution Plans, with modifications to reflect differences between pension plans and OPEB plans. GASB Statement No. 45, Accounting and Financial Reporting by Employers for Postemployment Benefits Other Than Pensions will be effective for the City beginning with its year ending September 30, 2009. This Statement improves the relevance and usefulness of financial reporting by (a) requiring systematic, accrual -basis measurement and recognition of OPEB cost (expense) over a period that approximates employees' years of service and (b) providing information about actuarial accrued liabilities associated with OPEB and whether and to what extent progress is being made in funding the plan. As consistent with the adoption of other accounting pronouncements, our audit will be designed to ensure that the implementation and application of each pronouncement is adhered to in order for us to render an opinion that the financial statements conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. When ready, we will assist the City with technical guidance on any implementation issues. GASB Statements 43 and 45 will require the City to employ the use of an actuarial specialist. In accordance with auditing standards we will need to review the qualifications and reputation of the specialist used and will need to review their work. This will require us to perform additional procedures which depending on the size and nature of the City's OPEB activities may have an impact on the scope of our audit. We are familiar with the independence standards promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") as well as those contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. McGladrey & Pullen, LLP unequivocally meets the independence requirements relevant to audits of governmental units. In all matters relating to the audit work required by the City, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP ("M&P") is free from personal and external impediments to independence, is organizationally independent and will maintain an independent attitude and appearance with respect to the audit of the City. M&P is free of all obligations and interests that might or would conflict with the best interest of the City. M&P has not had any professional relationships involving the City or any of its agencies in the past five years. SKJ and all of its professionals are independent of the City and its related agencies, as defined by generally accepted auditing standards and the U.S. General Accounting Office's, Govemmenf Auditing Standards. We have not had any professional relationships in the past with the Agency or any of its officers. The following is a list of SKJ's professional relationships involving the City of Miami or any of its agencies in the past five years: • As previously described, we were the subcontract auditors for the external audit of the City of Miami for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003; • We have been the primary auditors for the external audit of the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency since fiscal year ended September 30, 2003; and • During fiscal year 2007, we performed certain agreed -upon procedures for the City of Miami Community Development Department. We don't believe that any of the above professional services constitute a conflict of interest relative to performing the proposed audit of the City, as such services are allowable in accordance with the independence standards promulgated by generally accepted auditing standards and the U.S. General Accounting Office's, Govemmenf Auditing Standards. McGladrey & Pullen, LLP has pending claims and lawsuits in process during the past three (3) years, all of which are individually covered by insurance or the reserve for professional liability claims, less the deductible, or, if not covered by insurance or the reserve, are not considered material, There have been no disciplinary actions taken or pending against SKJ or any of its professional staff during the past r three years with state regulatory bodies or professional organizations. However, the Firm is currently in litigation with a creditor of an ex -client, alleging that the Firm was negligent in performing the 2001 audit of the then client. The case is currently in the discovery phase, but our attorneys are confident that the outcome of this litigation will be in favor of SKJ. r None of the professional staff of M&P or SKJ have been involved in any bankruptcy proceedings. i 1 r 1 1 1 r i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1