YSU Subpanel backs local firm for college's internal audit

The firm is the university's former external auditor.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The audit subcommittee of the Youngstown State University board of trustees recommended that the Packer Thomas firm of Youngstown be hired to perform the university's internal audit.
The subcommittee makes the recommendation to the finance and facilities committee, which will meet April 23 to determine if the recommendation should be forwarded to the full board of trustees.
Trustees have said outsourcing will ensure a more independent auditing process. However, union representatives have opposed the move, saying it will cost the university money and result in lost jobs.
This is not the first YSU job for Packer Thomas. The firm had served as the university's external auditor until 2003, when it was replaced by the Ernst & amp; Young firm of Cleveland.
The change was made in keeping with a policy of the state auditor's office that says universities must change external auditors at least every 10 years.
Another job
University administrators last week announced that Packer Thomas also would provide ongoing assistance to a three-member interim senior management team that will perform accounting and budget responsibilities in the department of general accounting.
The team was appointed as university officials announced that it will not renew the contract of Vice President for Financial Affairs Terry Ondreyka. His duties will now fall under the auspices of a new Division of Administration and Finance to be headed up by John Habat, vice president for administrative affairs.
Further, last year, the firm conducted a financial analysis of proposals regarding the possible outsourcing of the university bookstore; university officials eventually decided to maintain the current operation. The firm did the work for free.