Mission Ready: Accelerating Audit Success
The path to a clean audit opinion in the Department of War
The DoW Audit Imperative
A sense of urgency is mounting for the U.S. Department of War (DoW) to achieve a clean audit opinion by 2028 as mandated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. While obtaining a clean audit is the goal, it’s really a by-product of effective financial and operational processes and controls.
Mission Ready '27
Achieving and sustaining clean audit opinions
Given the size of the DoW, it’s clear that finance transformation is not a simple endeavor.
This begs the question:
Is it even possible for DoW agencies to make the transformation necessary to obtain and sustain clean audit opinions by FY27 or FY28?
Our approach
KPMG has a blueprint proven to deliver clean audit opinions in the DoW, and methodologies to make our approach scalable to any organization.
The KPMG approach is guided by the five core principles:
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Dive into our thinking:
Breaking the cycle of failed audits at the DoW
A bold, pragmatic, and tenacious approach is required to achieve clean audit opinions by FY28. Learn how KPMG can help.
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Achieving a Clean Audit Opinion in the DoW
The latest edition of Audit Readiness: In Depth, sponsored by KPMG, takes a close look at the Department of War’s ongoing journey toward achieving and sustaining clean audit opinions. Host Francis Rose is joined by Joseph Nave, Principal at KPMG, and Gregory Koval, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management Systems, for a conversation about what it takes to not only earn a clean audit but also to maintain it. From modernizing financial management systems, to creating effective data environments, to ensuring sustainability, this program highlights the lessons learned from the Marine Corps’ success and the broader implications for the Navy and the entire Department of War.
Achieving Audit Readiness: KPMG Insights on the DoW’s Clean Audit Journey
Joe Nave, Finance Transformation Lead at KPMG, discusses the U.S. Department of War's strategic path to a clean audit, addressing critical challenges such as data quality and systems integration with Francis Rose of FedGov Today. Discover how initiatives like enhanced training and technology upgrades are driving transparency, accountability, and efficient resource management across federal agencies.
The Team Effort that led to the Marine’s Clean Audit Triumph
Marking a significant milestone in financial transparency, the U.S. Marine Corps successfully achieved a clean audit opinion for its 2023 financial statements. Joe Nave, Finance Transformation Lead at KPMG, and Greg Koval, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Resources at the Marine Corps shares the importance of adaptability, communication, and breaking down silos to sustain the clean audit as well as address remaining material weaknesses.
Modernizing Financial Management at the DoW: Insights from KPMG
Joe Nave, Finance Transformation Lead at KPMG, joins Francis Rose for a FedGov Today industry insight to explore how the 3 T’s - transaction, transformation, technology - are enabling strategic transformation across the federal landscape. Citing the U.S. Marine Corps’ clean audit opinion, this conversation offers actionable insights for senior executives looking to drive enterprise-wide finance modernization and build a culture of long-term resilience.
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