Gov. Code, § 8521.5

The Legislature finds that our system of government is a complex structure of interlocking relationships among all levels of government for managing public funds and programs. Officials and employees who manage and administer these programs must be accountable for their activities to the public. The Legislature recognizes that governmental audits are an important cornerstone in the system of accountability expected by the people of California. One of the most important aspects of public accountability is whether the use of state funds and resources complies with the Legislature’s statutory mandates.

Under the direction of the Milton Marks “Little Hoover” Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy, the State Auditor shall meet the needs of state government for periodic audits of organizations, programs, and services. The State Auditor shall conduct an independent audit for use by the executive and legislative branches of state government to promote sound fiscal and administrative policy for the government of the state, fulfill the condition for the receipt of billions of dollars in federal grant funds, and provide an independent financial audit report that is relied upon by underwriters, bond-rating companies, and potential investors.