DIRECTIVE
In February, I directed five cabinet agencies to begin
developing and implementing a shared services model for how we
operate. The expectation was that the shared services
approach would capture economies of scale and create a more
efficient government. I also noted that as we move forward,
there will be additional functions identified where the model
could produce enhanced customer service and efficiencies.
While our initial efforts focused on large issues that will
impact all state agencies, there are also smaller initiatives
that can provide significant benefits to state government. No
efficiency is too small to be pursued.
By this directive, I am requiring that all small agencies as
identified by the director of the Office of Financial
Management use Small Agency Client Services (SACS) to provide
their accounting, payroll and budgeting services. The
director of the Office of Financial Management shall also
define the transition process and specific agency
requirements.
Centralizing these services allows small agencies to focus
their scarce resources on their core missions, strategic
plans, and customer needs. It provides standardization and
consistency of processes and reporting across all small
agencies. Internal controls will be strengthened by moving
fiscal functions into a larger organization where segregation
of duties and back-up plans can be better utilized.
This initiative is only one of many opportunities we as a
state can pursue to provide better, more efficient government.
I appreciate your continued efforts to review our back-office
functions and to identify shared service efficiencies - wherever they may be found.
Christine O. Gregoire
Governor