Municipal Auditor and/or Financial Advisor Services

The City of East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, is soliciting qualification proposals for comprehensive Municipal Auditor and/or Financial Advisor Services. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks a highly qualified firm to conduct a statutory audit of accounts and records for all funds for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. The extensive scope of work includes performing rigorous tests of internal controls and ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements. Additionally, the selected entity will be responsible for executing federal and state single audits, adhering strictly to OMB Circular A-133 and NJ OMB Circular 04-04, and preparing the City’s audited statutory financial statements. Beyond core auditing, the role involves reviewing the annual budget, offering accounting and tax guidance throughout the year, engaging with the Mayor, Administration, and City Council as needed, advising on legislative changes impacting financial records, and providing expert financial and budgetary advice and analysis. The contract term for these critical professional services is established for a period of one (1) year. Prospective professional services entities must demonstrate significant expertise and knowledge of municipal auditing laws and regulations pertinent to New Jersey. Candidates should exhibit a strong track record in advising municipal entities on records compliance issues and possess substantial experience in supporting local governments with budget development, labor negotiations, and other financially critical tasks for municipalities of comparable size to East Orange. Mandatory minimum requirements include holding a valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and a valid Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) license, both issued by the appropriate authority of the State of New Jersey. Furthermore, firms must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience specifically in providing auditing services to New Jersey municipalities. Senior staff assigned to the City’s account must also possess at least ten (10) years of experience in audit services and the other specialized services requested. A current principal office within the State of New Jersey is also a mandatory prerequisite. Qualification proposals are to be received by the Purchasing Agent in the East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, located on the 1st floor. The firm submission deadline is Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. prevailing time, when proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud. Submissions must be delivered or mailed to the City of East Orange, Division of Procurement, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018, Attn: Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA. Respondents are required to submit one (1) unbound original, four (4) additional hard copies, and one (1) compact disc (CD) of their sealed submission. The sealed envelope must clearly bear the consultant’s name and the title “MUNICIPAL AUDITOR AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR SERVICES.” Required documentation encompasses a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, an Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form stipulating Professional Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per claim and $1,000,000 aggregate, an EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, a copy of the firm’s Business Registration Certificate, and completed Letters of Intent and Qualification, among other forms. For any questions, prospective proposers should contact Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, at (973) 266-5162.