SAFEGUARDING TAXPAYER FUNDS

Most people understand the roles of elected offices like the Sheriff and District Attorney—but what about the Auditor-Controller?

The Auditor-Controller’s Office is responsible for ensuring the County doesn't just spend money, but spends it correctly—lawfully, accurately, and with strong oversight. 

If elected, I will serve as the Chief Accounting and Financial Officer for the County of Monterey, with a commitment to being independent, objective, and transparent.

Here is what the Auditor-Controller does for you: 

1. The Taxpayer’s "Watchdog" 

The County has a massive budget. The Auditor-Controller helps ensure public funds are spent lawfully and as intended, and reviews financial activity to reduce waste, fraud, and mismanagement. Just as important, the office helps departments understand the rules so issues are prevented — not just discovered later.  

 * My Promise: I will treat your tax dollars with respect. I will provide rigorous oversight while also making sure departments get clear guidance, consistent standards, and practical support to do things right the first time.

2. The County’s "Paymaster" 

The Auditor-Controller’s Office keeps the County moving by processing payments and payroll accurately and on time. Behind every payment is a person — an employee counting on a paycheck, a local vendor keeping a business running, or a department trying to deliver services.

 * My Promise: I will build and support a service-minded team — well-trained, empowered, and encouraged to grow — so vendors, employees, and departments get timely, respectful help at every step.

3. The Property Tax Allocator 

When you pay property taxes, that money doesn't just go into a black hole. It funds our schools, fire districts, special districts, and our cities. The Auditor-Controller calculates and allocates the right amounts to the right agencies — accurately and on schedule - so those services can operate without disruption.

 * My Promise: I will lead a detail-driven team that gets the calculations right and communicates clearly with local agencies — so communities receive the funding they are owed, when they need it to serve you.

4. The County’s “Scorekeeper” (Accurate Books & Financial Reporting)

The Auditor-Controller’s Office maintains the County’s accounting records, closes the books, and produces key financial reports — so residents, the Board, and oversight agencies can trust the numbers. This takes disciplined work, strong review, and a culture where accuracy and documentation are non-negotiable.

* My Promise: I will ensure accurate, on-time reporting — and keep the County of Monterey audit-ready every year — through strong training and accountability.

5. Internal Controls, Compliance & Internal Audit

Strong internal controls protect taxpayer dollars before problems happen. The Auditor-Controller sets consistent rules and documentation standards — especially in higher-risk areas like purchasing, payments, and financial operations. The office’s internal audit and review work helps identify gaps early, test whether controls are working, and recommend practical fixes before small issues become costly problems.

* My Promise: I will strengthen controls through clear procedures, practical training, and consistent follow-through — reducing risk without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

6. The County’s Process Improvement Partner

Delays and errors usually come from unclear handoffs, inconsistent practices, and lack of training — not just outdated tools. Using what we learn from internal audits, reviews, and staff feedback, the Auditor-Controller can lead continuous improvement by standardizing workflows, documenting “how we do things”, coaching staff, and using technology as support, not a substitute, for good operations. Just as important, when people are trained, supported, and empowered to speak up, the office can challenge “that’s how we’ve always done it” at every level — improving service and efficiency without compromising safeguards and controls.

* My Promise: I will invest in building a culture of continuous improvement — through training, cross-training, and clear procedures — so our work is faster, more consistent, and easier to navigate, while keeping strong controls in place to protect taxpayer funds.

Qualifications Matter

This is not a political policy job; it is a technical accounting job. You wouldn't hire a surgeon who hasn't been to medical school. You shouldn't elect an Auditor who doesn't know government finance. 

I am running because I have the actual experience to do the work on Day 1. 

 * Former Assistant Auditor-Controller: I previously served as the Assistant Auditor-Controller for Monterey County. I didn't just read the job description—I lived it. I know the systems, I know the challenges, and I know exactly how to protect your tax dollars because I have done the work from the inside.

 * Certified Public Accountant (CPA): I am a licensed CPA. This means I bring the highest standard of professional ethics, objective oversight, and accounting rigor to the office. This office requires a professional accountant, not a politician. 

 * Dedicated Financial Leader: With extensive experience in senior finance roles—managing budgets, payroll, and complex audits—I have the technical expertise to ensure Monterey County remains fiscally responsible and transparent. 

Vote for Competence. Vote for Mousa.