Birmingham City Audit Reports - Finance & Audit Access

Taxation and Finance Alabama 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama publishes municipal financial reports and audit records through the city Finance Department and state audit portals. This guide shows where to find official audit reports, how to read common documents like the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and the practical steps to request missing records or file related complaints.

Where to find official audit reports

Start at the City of Birmingham Financial Reports page to download annual financial statements, CAFRs, and budget reports. City Financial Reports[1] For independent audit opinions and statewide municipal audit information, consult the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts[2]

Use the CAFR for audited financial statements and notes to the accounts.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for municipal financial reporting and audit compliance involves both city officials and the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Specific monetary fines and civil penalties for failure to publish or file audits are not specified on the cited pages; see the state examiners for statutory enforcement actions and the city finance office for local procedures.[2]

  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: audit findings, required corrective actions, management letters, and referral to oversight authorities.
  • Enforcer and inspections: Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and the City of Birmingham Finance Department coordinate review and follow-up.[2]
If you believe an audit is missing, request it in writing to the finance office and the state examiners.

Applications & Forms

The city posts CAFRs and budget documents as downloadable PDFs; there is no separate public "audit submission" form posted on the city financial reports page. For state-level filing requirements and any auditor submission forms consult the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.[1]

How to read common audit documents

  • Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR): contains auditor opinion, financial statements, notes, and management discussion.
  • Management letter: details internal control findings and recommendations.
  • Budget vs. actual reports: compare adopted budget performance against audited results.
Audit reports include a cover page with the fiscal year and the auditor's opinion; check the notes for liabilities and contingencies.

Action steps: request, appeal, report

  • Locate and download the CAFR from the City Financial Reports page; if a year is missing, email the Finance Department.
  • If you suspect noncompliance, submit a written request or complaint to the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
  • For disputes over findings or enforcement actions, follow the appeal or review instructions provided by the enforcing office; time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

FAQ

Where can I download Birmingham's audited financial statements?
The City Financial Reports page posts CAFRs and annual financial statements for download; contact the Finance Department if a report is not listed.[1]
Who enforces municipal audit compliance?
The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts oversees municipal audits and may publish audit findings for local governments.[2]
How do I request a copy of an audit not online?
Send a written request to the City of Birmingham Finance Department or file a request with the state examiners as described on their site.

How-To

  1. Open the City Financial Reports page and look for the CAFR or fiscal year you need.[1]
  2. If the report is not available, email the Finance Department with the fiscal year and document requested.
  3. If the city does not respond, consult the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts for statewide audit records and filing guidance.[2]
  4. Keep copies of correspondence and, if needed, follow the examiners' complaint or review procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Start at the City Financial Reports page for CAFRs and budgets.
  • The Alabama Department of Examiners oversees municipal audits and posts statewide information.
  • If a report is missing, request it in writing from the Finance Department and document your request.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Birmingham Financial Reports
  2. [2] Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts