Agency Snapshot: 
Department of State

The Department of State mission is to shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere.  The Department’s $52.6 billion in budgetary resources ensures the operation of more than 270 embassies, consulates, and other posts worldwide as well as numerous regional, functional and management bureaus. The Department of State is committed to pursuing this important mission while managing its finances effectively, which includes ensuring accurate payments, effective utilization of property, and sound financial accounting procedures.

Audit Opinions

An audit opinion provides the public with an independent, third-party assessment as to whether the agency’s financial information is presented fairly. There are four types of audit opinions: Unqualified (clean), Qualified, Disclaimer, and Adverse. An unqualified audit opinion means that the auditor believes the financial information presented by the agency is fairly presented – which is our goal for all agencies. Qualified, Disclaimer or Adverse opinions indicate that financial reporting issues have been identified or the auditor could not render an opinion. The metric here shows audit opinions received by the agency.

Financial Material Weaknesses Found in Audit Reports

In addition to rendering an overall opinion, auditors can cite major problems, or material weaknesses, in their reports that accompany the audited statements. Although material weaknesses vary, the more material weaknesses an agency has, the more likely the agency could have a significant misstatement in their financial information. Agencies are working hard to eliminate any material weaknesses in an effort to improve financial management. The metric here shows the number of material weaknesses in the last five fiscal years for the agency. More information is available in this report.

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