NASHVILLE (AP) — The state comptroller's audit division has won the 2015 excellence in accountability award from the National State Auditors Association.

The award from the national group recognizes the Division of State Audit's efforts to improve communication between auditors and state agencies. The division's "Guide to State Audits," which is distributed to agencies at the start of every audit, was recognized as the group's special project of the year.

The auditors association presented the award to Tennessee Comptroller Justin P. Wilson and State Audit Director Deborah Loveless at the group's annual conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, late last week.

Wilson said in a release that he is proud of his staff for winning the award. In Wilson's words: "Audits are critical to effective government."