43-1507. Audits and financial reviews

A. On or before September 30 of each year, each school tuition organization that received one million dollars or more in total donations in the previous fiscal year shall provide for a financial audit of the organization. The audit must be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and must evaluate the organization's compliance with section 43-1503, subsection B, paragraph 1. The audit must be conducted by an independent certified public accountant who is licensed in this state or who has a limited reciprocity privilege pursuant to section 32-725. The certified public accountant and the firm the certified public accountant is affiliated with shall be independent with respect to the organization, its officers and directors, services performed and all other independent relationships prescribed by generally accepted auditing standards.

B. On or before September 30 of each year, each school tuition organization that received less than one million dollars in total donations in the previous fiscal year shall provide for a financial review of the organization. The review must be conducted in accordance with standards for accounting and review services and must evaluate the organization's compliance with the fiscal requirements of this article. The review must be conducted by an independent certified public accountant who is licensed in this state or who has a limited reciprocity privilege pursuant to section 32-725. The certified public accountant and the firm the certified public accountant is affiliated with shall be independent with respect to the organization, its officers and directors, services performed and all other independent relationships prescribed by generally accepted auditing standards.

C. Within five days after receiving the audit or financial review, the school tuition organization shall file a signed copy of the audit or financial review with the department.

D. The school tuition organization shall pay the fees and costs of the certified public accountant under this section from the organization's operating monies. The fees and costs shall be excluded from the calculation of total revenues spent on scholarships and tuition grants.