Babbitt named State Controller and DFA Deputy Director

• Posted Date: 04/19/2023
• Office: All DFA
• News:

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
  April 18, 2023

   

  FOR MORE INFORMATION:
  Scott Hardin
  Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
  501-352-9351, scott.hardin@dfa.arkansas.gov

   

                                                                                                      Babbitt named State Controller and DFA Deputy Director

  LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (April 18, 2023) - Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Secretary Larry Walther today announced the selection of Andy Babbitt as State Controller and DFA Deputy Director.

  This position oversees DFA’s Accounting Division. The Accounting Division ensures fiscal integrity within the state’s financial records and serves as a centralized reporting source for state appropriations and funds. This includes the State of Arkansas's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Additionally, the Office of Accounting has handled all accounting and reporting for the state’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.  Accounting also oversees DFA’s Office of Information Services (OIS). OIS is responsible for managing the Information Technology resources of DFA.

  “This is a critical position for DFA and the State of Arkansas,” said Secretary Walther. “The position requires significant high-level accounting experience along with a thorough understanding of state services and Departments. With decades of experience auditing Departments throughout state government, Andy brings the skill set needed to the State Controller role. I look forward to Andy leading this talented team.”

  Babbitt, a certified public accountant since 1998, is also a Certified Fraud Examiner through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He was a Senior Auditor at Arkansas Legislative Audit where he worked for 25 years.

  Overall, Babbitt has 27 years of governmental accounting experience, including the design of internal controls and business processes. He joined DFA in July 2021 as an Accounting Manager.

  He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree followed by a Master of Business Administration degree. 

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