Three main groups are responsible for the quality of financial reporting: the governing body,financial management, and the independent auditors. Of these three, the governing body must be seen as “first among equals” because of its unique position as the ultimate monitor of the financial reporting process. An audit committee is a practical means for a governing body to provide much needed independent review and oversight of the government’s financial reporting processes, internal controls, and independent auditors. An audit committee also provides a forum separate from management in which auditors and other interested parties can candidly discuss concerns. By effectively carrying out its functions and responsibilities, an audit committee helps to ensure that management properly develops and adheres to a sound system of internal controls, that procedures are in place to objectively assess management’s practices, and that the independent auditors, through their own review, objectively assess the government’s financial reporting practices. (GFOA Recommended Practice)