The Internal Control & Accountability (ICA) Unit is committed to promoting effective and efficient state government through well designed approaches to the five components of an internal control structure. Each member of the team offers a wide variety of audit, internal control, and financial service experience within state government and private sector. The ICA Unit is available to assist executive branch state agencies on internal control related matters, audit findings, and the Annual Internal Control System Certification.
Josh Botnen (Finance Services Director) - joined state government in 2011 with the Department of Revenue and worked as a Corporate Franchise Tax Auditor, training coordinator, and internal auditor. Josh joined ICA unit in March 2018, was redeployed to the COVID-19 Response Accountability Office in June 2020, and returned to ICA in September 2022. Josh holds a master's in business administration from Metropolitan State University and bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of MInnesota-Duluth. Josh is a Certified Internal Auditor and a Certified Professional Continuity Practitioner.
Kris Schutta (Internal Control Specialist) - joined state government with the Office of Legislative Auditor in October 2016 as a Financial Auditor, and joined the ICA Unit in December 2021. Prior to state government, Kris worked in various capacities in the private sector including internal audit, finance and inventory accounting. Kris graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in business administration.
Beth Brickle (Internal Control Specialist) - joined state government with Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) in 2005 as an Employer Service Representative in the Account Information Management division. Beth joined the ICA unit in May 2023 and completed the Strategic Effectiveness for Aspiring Leaders (SEAL) program the same month. Prior to joining the ICA unit, Beth was a grant accountant and a member of the Finance and Budget Equity Team at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Additionally, Beth has worked in accounting for the Department of Natural Resources and Board of Water and Soil Resources. Beth holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Collin Berquist (Internal Control Specialist) - joined state government in 2019 with the Department of Administration as an Office & Administrative Specialist. Collin joined the ICA unit in June 2024. Prior to joining the ICA unit, Collin was an Account Clerk Senior working in the Department of Administration’s Financial Management and Reporting division. Collin holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from Metropolitan State University.
Tara DeCrow (Internal Control Specialist) - joined state government in 2024. Prior to state government, Tara worked for over 10 years as a senior-level accountant in the private sector, supporting companies with month-end reconciliations, financial reporting, internal audits, the creation and maintenance of internal control systems, and supporting the external audit and tax preparation process. Tara graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a bachelor’s degree in public accounting and a minor in business administration. Tara has an active CPA license in the State of Colorado and she hopes to attain the Internal Auditor certification next in her career.
