The government wide Fiscal Year 2023 financial audit which was expected to be released Friday is met with another delay. 

“It’s like pulling teeth trying to get information out of various agencies,” said Public Auditor BJ Cruz. 

By law, the audit was supposed to be released last June or seven months ago.  

Cruz said it’s still missing a “very important section.” 

“The only thing outstanding is the management discussion and analysis which as I understand it from (Ernest & Young), the governor and the Director of Administration will be submitting that sometime today. So once that gets in, EY will have to go in and make sure all the numbers match. At the same time, my office is going to have to make sure all the numbers match,” said Cruz. 

It’s now expected to be finalized by next Tuesday. 

The audit already had a delayed start as the contract with external auditor Ernst and Young was signed late. 

The Guam Department of Education’s audit, which was finally released in the end of September, also played a major role in the setback.

“So this really should have gotten out in October but for the other problems trying to get all the numbers together,” said Cruz. 

KUAM learned the delay is impacting government functions like accessing federal grants. 

The Governor’s community outreach-federal programs office said they are unable to get grant money to reimburse Guam SAARCA, or the Sexual Assault and Abuse Resource Center Association, until the audit is released. 

As previously reported, counselors at Guam’s only rape crisis center healing hearts are getting paid late.

“One of the other agencies, because of the delay of the audit, was penalized a percentage of their grants. So it has repercussions which is why I keep trying to get all the agencies to cooperate,” added Cruz. 

The Public Auditor is hoping the new legislature will revive a vetoed bill that would fine agency heads for submitting financial documents late. 

He's already in talks with the Appropriations Chair Sen. Chris Duenas who is “adamant” in having the FY24 audit before senators prepare GovGuam’s budget. 

“That bill initially passed 14-0. When it came back for an override, it was unable to get the ten votes necessary for the override. So I’m hoping the new legislature will give me that authority so we can get things moving,” said Cruz. 

Cruz hopes the next audit will be completed in time this June with a new financial management system. 

“It’s supposed to be advanced enough that it’s going to be able to spew the information out almost instantaneously. I’m hoping that’s true,” added Cruz.