Government and School Districts

By the very nature of their roles, public sector entities of all types and sizes are outwardly focused on the services they provide to our communities. We rely on government officials, teachers, administrators, and safety officials to remain on top of their game. At the same time, there is mounting pressure to carry out activities in a fully transparent manner and in full compliance with increasingly complex regulations.

Specialized Services

For over 65 years, we have focused on serving those who serve the community. Lumsden McCormick has extensive experience in providing accounting and consulting expertise to more than 100 government-related entities, proactively providing meaningful solutions to complex issues. We provide services to:

• Villages, cities, counties
• Education institutions
• School districts
• Fire districts
• Public authorities
• Transit authorities
• Quasi-governmental organizations

We have extensive experience in offering Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) to larger municipalities and also work with county government leaders to meet their needs. Our governmental services group professionals review financial statements and facilitate risk assessment.  

Training and Expertise

As required by our membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Government Audit Quality Center and U.S. Government Auditing Standards, our government audit CPAs receive a higher level of government-specific continuing education.

We are actively involved in public sector associations and committees, including the AICPA Government Accounting and Auditing Committee, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Public Schools Accounting Committee, Association of School Business Officials WNY Chapter, New York State Government Finance Officers’ Association, National Association of College and University Business Officers, and the New York State Association of Counties.  

Additionally, our affiliation with the BDO Alliance USA means we can tap into additional resources to share with you.

Based on our knowledge of New York State’s Public Authorities Accountability Act (PAAA), we are well-positioned to offer insights and expertise in how to maintain compliance with its complex accounting and reporting requirements.

Audit and Assurance Services

• Audits, reviews, and compilations of financial statements
• Accounting systems, policies, and procedures
• Employee benefit plans
• Federal Transit Administration National Transit Database Report
• Forecasts and projections
• Internal audits
• Operations and internal control audits
• Report on compliance with Section 2925 (3) (f) of the New York Public Authorities Law
• Single audits in accordance with Uniform Standards and Yellow Book audits
• Single Audit Data Collection Form (SF-SAC)

Tax Services

• Property tax cap requirements
• Sales tax reporting and compliance

Consulting Services

• Forensic accounting and investigations
• General ledger consulting
• Public Authorities Reporting Information System (PARIS)
• Risk management

Firm Resources

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center
  • Member of the Center for Public Company Audit Firms of the AICPA
• Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
• Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), State and Local Chapters
• BDO Alliance USA
• Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA)
• National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)
• New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA)
  • Public Schools Accounting Committee
  • Governmental Accounting and Auditing Committee
  • Not-for-Profit Organizations Committee, State and Local Chapters
• NY Public Transit Association, Inc.
• Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)

Exempt Organizations Conference

Every fall, Lumsden McCormick sponsors an Exempt Organizations Conference featuring local and national experts presenting on a variety of pertinent industry topics. Visit our Events page for more information; details to follow. Contact Maria Gambacorta with further questions. 

For more information about our accounting and consulting services for school districts, government, and other public sector entities contact Sara Dayton or complete the information below.