DISTRICT CREATES AUDITOR POST.

Byline: - Bhavna Mistry

To better track revenue sources while keeping an eye out for fraud, the Conejo Valley Unified School District has hired an internal auditor.

Susan Tucker, who previously worked in the district's accounting department and as transportation coordinator, will now be reviewing financial statements and conducting financial spot checks of various district programs.

``It's a positive to make sure we're doing things right,'' said Gary Mortimer, assistant superintendent of business services. ``We decided it was in everyone's best interest to do audits a little bit better, a little more often.''

The district hopes to avert a problem like one it faced last year when officials determined that $46,000 had been embezzled from Sequoia Middle and Newbury Park High schools. The treasurer of a band booster club pleaded guilty to the theft.

But Mortimer said the auditor's position was not created to find fraud, but to more effectively track district revenue, including money for student attendance and state and federal funding.

``Our main reason for doing this was because we are growing so large,'' Mortimer said, adding that the district's budget has grown from $80 million to $115 million in just a few years.

Although the district is still required to undergo an annual external audit, the new post will help maintain proper accounting methodology, and ensure compliance with state rules and regulations.

With the new post, the district will also be able to monitor booster clubs and Associated Student Body groups, Mortimer said.