Letter: Town Audit Committee Opportunity

[Rob Fryer served as 2024-2025 Audit Committee chair.]

The town established an Audit Committee in 2016 by amending the Town Charter.

It consists of five members appointed by the town council for three-year terms and members can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Chapter 62 of the town charter requires members to be “financial experts,” defined as individuals with “substantial audit experience…and…a basic understanding of governmental financial reporting and auditing.” CPA’s who are, or have worked, in public practice are generally suitable candidates but a CPA designation is not a requirement under the charter.

Under Chapter 62 the committee has wide responsibilities including the selection of independent auditors, assisting other town bodies with the oversight of the preparation and auditing of the town’s annual financial statements, as well as oversight of compliance with relevant laws and regulations, enterprise risk issues and plans for corrective action to address identified risks.

I am a CPA and retired senior partner at Deloitte and served two terms on the audit committee from 2020 to 2025, the last two years as the committee’s chairman. I have chosen not to serve a third term but technically remain a member of the committee until a successor is appointed and sworn in.

As a result, there is a vacancy to fill, and one that is not as easy to fill as on many other town bodies because of the strict experience requirements. In my opinion an opening like this – a stimulating role for the right candidate – needs to be publicized more widely than the town typically does for such openings. Yet, even with the help of AI, I cannot find any publicity regarding the vacancy. Historically Republicans have held three seats and Democrats two, and I served as a Democrat. However, this balance is a custom and not state law. Under Connecticut’s minority representation law, in the case of a town body of five members no more than four can be from one party. That means my successor can be from either party or an unaffiliated voter, in terms of Connecticut regulation.

If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please contact a member of the Board of Selectmen, the town committee of one of the major parties, or reach out to me at robin.fryer@newcanaanct.gov.