1. Plan and initiate the performance audit and review functions as described in this Chapter;

2. Submit annual performance audit plans or work programs to the Committee for review, comment, and approval;

3. Negotiate agreements with independent outside contractors to plan or conduct performance audits;

4. Conduct performance audit planning studies and prepare requests for proposals;

5. Conduct performance audit follow-up studies that determine whether agencies have implemented audit recommendations, identify the impact of the recommendations, and update the analysis;

6. Ensure that performance audits are planned, conducted, and reported in accordance with Government Auditing Standards published by the U.S. Government Accountability Office;

7. Submit audit reports to the Committee;

8. Prepare an annual report to the public on the highlights of performance audits conducted that year, for review, approval, and issuance by the Committee;

9. Coordinate a performance audit schedule, prioritize the elements of the performance audits, and evaluate contractor performance;

10. Review with County managers policies and procedures and make recommendations to reasonably ensure the adequacy of internal controls to enhance performance measure tracking and reporting;

11. Consistent with this Chapter, coordinate with the State Auditor and other audit agencies while avoiding duplication of effort;

12. Transmit completed audit reports to the Council;

13. Consistent with Charter requirements, coordinate with the Council so that an evening public hearing can be scheduled within 90 days of the completion of a performance audit to present, review, and allow discussion of action plans developed to respond to audit findings and recommendations;

14. Meet with the Committee and/or Council as needed;

15. Have access to all books, electronic records, records, and data of all County departments and other governmental entities funded in the Pierce County budget in whatever media they may be kept; provided that in examining the records, electronic records, books, and data, the Performance Audit staff shall preserve the confidentiality of all information as required, and provided that access to the information is allowed by state and federal law; and

16. Perform such other activities as may be assigned by the Committee or ordinance from time to time.