Show-Me State Times

Like many state governments, including Maryland, Georgia, Alabama and Pennsylvania, employees in the Missouri Auditor's Office have been working from home since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the U.S. in March.

But that hasn’t stopped Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway and her staff from doing their jobs. Audits have continued during this time – relatively seamlessly – according to Scott Holste from the Missouri State Auditor's Communications Office.

“The work of the office has continued uninterrupted since that time with more than 35 audits being issued since late March, and work continuing both in the field and in the office on dozens of ongoing audits,” Holste told the Show-Me State Times.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway | Missouri Auditor's Office

On Twitter, Galloway tweeted that many Missourians don’t have the high-speed Internet required for telework or virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We must work to bridge the digital divide and ensure our citizens have access to the educational and economic opportunities they need to thrive,” she posted on May 5.

A certified public accountant, Galloway is in charge of auditing state agencies, boards and commissions, the circuit court system, as well as counties throughout the state that do not have an auditor. While phone lines are being monitored, agencies undergoing an audit are encouraged to email moaudit@auditor.mo.gov with any questions, according to a press release.

In addition, the phone hotline and the online whistleblower complaint form is open for reports of mismanagement and fraud at 800-347-8597 or auditor.mo.gov/hotline, respectively.

“It is our view that if state workers have the ability to work remotely, they should, in order to not take away resources that are needed from other areas, such as first responders, health care workers, and school staff,” Holste said.

The agency’s telework policy was updated to include precautions such as wearing face coverings, according to a statement online.

“Audit teams in the field have remained flexible with auditees as they navigate the unique challenges of COVID-19,” Holste said. “Audit staff are working under a policy directing them to wear masks in office common areas and on the auditee job site when feasible.” 

 The precautions and telework initiative applies to all employees until further notice, including Galloway.

“Auditor Galloway also maintains these precautions, whether she is working remotely or from her Capitol office,” Holste said.

Staffers in all four offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Jefferson City, are included in the agency's overall teleworking plan.

“We continue to closely monitor conditions in Jefferson City and the other office locations so that returning to those offices is being done in a way that best protects the health of staff and the public,” Holste said.