For over 17 years, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle has served the State of California by providing accurate, unbiased, and timely assessments of state and local government entities. Ms. Howle has nearly 34 years of auditing, management, and leadership experience with the California State Auditor’s Office and its predecessor office. Under her leadership, the work from her office serves an important role in the State’s system of checks and balances by examining the fiscal health and performance of state and local entities to ensure that government provides the essential services to the public in the most efficient and effective manner.
A trusted voice, Ms. Howle is frequently called upon to provide testimony in legislative hearings and brief members on the results of her office’s work. Her performance audits provide information to improve public accountability and facilitate decision making by parties with responsibility for overseeing or initiating corrective action. Her office conducts the annual financial audit of California’s large, complex financial system and provides an opinion on the financial statements. Ms. Howle’s office also audits annually the State’s compliance with federal regulations governing the administration of billions of dollars in federal funds California receives each year. Moreover, her office investigates allegations received and reports substantiated claims of fraud and abuse in state government. Further, her office audits and reports on state and local agencies that it has identified as being at high risk for waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement or that have major challenges related to efficiency or effectiveness.
Recognized nationally as a leader in her profession, Ms. Howle has received various national awards and is serves on various committees for national organizations. Ms. Howle is a certified public accountant and a certified government financial manager. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s of business administration from California State University, Sacramento.