Mike Sumrall announces his candidacy for State Auditor

Mike Sumrall announces his candidacy for State Auditor

Mike Sumrall, Forrest County’s administrator and chief financial officer, announces his candidacy for state auditor. Stressing the need for an experienced professional with a financial background and governmental auditing experience with the State Auditor’s Office, Sumrall has qualified as a Democratic candidate for the statewide office.

“It is essential that the state auditor has strong auditing skills and years of financial experience,” said Sumrall. “In order to supervise auditors and lead a department charged with overseeing and reviewing the way tax dollars are spent, anyone without the proper qualifications is ill equipped to safeguard the use of public funds.”

Sumrall has 28 years experience working in local and state government, including 23 at the Office of the State Auditor where he served as a senior auditor and headed the computer and information technology divisions.

“Accounting is my chosen profession and my decision to run for the state auditor’s position is not taken lightly,” Sumrall said. “This is not a career move for me – it is a profession that I care deeply about and want to safeguard.”

Sumrall wants to use the latest technology, including computer assisted auditing tools to increase efficiency and accountability.

“By revamping auditing programs and increasing our use of automated systems, we can reduce audit time and provide more timely and accurate reports,” Sumrall said. “As a person who has been an auditor and represented local governments during audits, I am uniquely equipped to streamline the process. Coupled with my knowledge of computer auditing systems, I can bring a common sense approach to the Office of the State Auditor.

Sumrall, a resident of Mt.Olive, received his accounting degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1979. His experience includes serving as business manager for the Pike County Schools. He has also served as an audit staff member for two CPA firms.

For more information about Sumrall’s candidacy or to volunteer to work on his campaign, call 601-260-0160 or go to sumrallforauditor.com. Web site available by mid Feb.