RFP 27-004 Auditor

The Bridgeton Public Schools (district) is seeking proposals from qualified independent certified public accountants. The district requires the professional services of an Auditor licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey (hereinafter referred to as the Contractor). The Contractor shall determine whether the district’s financial records and procedures are in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations of the office of the Department of Education, Division of Finance and within the financial and compliance requirements as required by the federal government regarding the Single Audit Act. The district expects to award an accounting firm to be available for audit and consulting services on an as needed basis. B. SCOPE OF SERVICE The Contractor shall examine the district’s fiscal records in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, as promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The examination shall result in the rendering of the Contractor’s opinion on the statement of cash balances, receipts and disbursements. Fourteen bound and one unbound copies of the report shall be provided to the district. The Contractor shall submit all required reports to the Cumberland County Office of Education and to any State or Federal Agency requiring the submission of the report. Completion of an audit for the 2025-2026 school year, which shall include but will not be limited to financial data, compliance requirements with applicable Federal and State laws, and the application for state school aid. The audit must be submitted prior to the statutory requirements. The preparation of the district’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Provide financial advice and assistance to the Board, Superintendent of Schools, Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and other designated district officials. The Contractor shall prepare a separate report addressing any opportunities to improve the operation effectiveness and efficiency that were noted during the audit. The Contractor shall be available to provide ongoing advice and counsel relating to new requirements, and interpretations of rules and regulations. All Audit preparatory work for the district shall be completed by the end of October each year. The district shall require an audit of the ASSA reports for the school year 2025-2026. Note: The ASSA information is audited separately prior to submission of the final state aid application in November. The enrollment counts as of 10/15/24 were reviewed by the current auditor. C. QUALIFICATIONS OF RESPONDENTS The Contractor must represent that he/she is licensed to perform the audit as provided in the applicable laws of the State of New Jersey. Experienced in performing audits for at risk school districts in the State of New Jersey, various state, county and local agencies are preferred. Project managers assigned to the district shall have a minimum of five (5) years of school board experience. The firm and person(s) assigned to the district shall be familiar with the laws governing fiscal affairs of New Jersey School districts. The firm shall maintain its principal office within the State of New Jersey. The Contractor shall adhere to the Government Auditing Standards. The firm must have an unqualified quality review report.