Westfield earns Unqualified Audit Opinion on 2023 financial report

Clerk Treasurer announces launch of 2024 reporting effort

Submitted

The City of Westfield has received an Unqualified Audit Opinion from the Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA) on its 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) – the first in the city’s history – with no material weaknesses identified.

The 2023 ACFR was initiated shortly before Mayor Scott Willis and Clerk Treasurer Marla Ailor assumed office on Jan. 1, 2024, as part of the mayor’s broader initiative to strengthen the city’s financial profile and pursue a AAA bond rating.

Before assuming office, mayor-elect Willis obtained permission from the Board of Public Works to engage Katz, Sapper & Miller (KSM) – a nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Indianapolis – to compile the report. While KSM has a strong reputation and extensive experience auditing ACFRs, this engagement marked one of their first efforts compiling such a report for a municipality in Indiana.

Despite the added complexity of an inaugural ACFR and a compiler new to this particular role, the Clerk Treasurer’s Office embraced the challenge and worked diligently to ensure the report met all applicable standards under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Ailor

“This clean audit opinion is more than a technical result – it’s a vote of confidence in our internal controls and financial stewardship,” Ailor said. “Preparing a first-time ACFR is a complex task, and I am proud of our team for rising to the occasion and delivering a report that meets the highest professional standards.”

An unqualified opinion may sound counterintuitive, but it is the strongest result an auditor can issue. It confirms that the financial statements are materially correct, fully in compliance with accounting standards, and free from significant deficiencies. The absence of any material weaknesses further affirms the effectiveness of the city’s internal financial systems.

Key support during the process came from Nathan Fox, municipal advisor at OW Krohn & Associates, who provided technical expertise by completing critical schedules and assisting with audit inquiries. His involvement was instrumental in supporting both the city and KSM throughout the reporting process.

Additional support came from Kelley Kemper, the city’s Financial Strategist, and Bradie Louks, Director of Human Resources, whose efforts in assembling final documentation and coordinating internal details were instrumental in helping bring the nearly year-long ACFR process to a successful close. Their collaboration and responsiveness were key in helping the city reach the finish line.

The Clerk Treasurer’s Office also extended its thanks to Katz, Sapper & Miller for its partnership throughout the preparation of the 2023 ACFR.

“We appreciate KSM’s willingness to work through a complex, first-time process with us and contribute to a successful outcome,” Ailor said.

The 2024 ACFR compilation officially began on May 1, the same day as the Exit Conference for the 2023 report, reinforcing the Clerk Treasurer’s commitment to consistent, comprehensive financial reporting year after year.

“I’m incredibly proud of our staff,” Ailor said. “Their professionalism, adaptability, and attention to detail reflect Westfield’s commitment to responsible public service. This report lays a strong foundation for our financial future.”