The shortcomings in my Department's accounting procedures identified in the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Appropriations Accounts for 2000 are attributable in the main to an outdated accounts system which will be discarded as soon as a replacement system being developed under the management information framework initiative has been installed.
In the meantime, remedial action as follows is being taken to ensure that my Department will provide an effective and accurate financial service within the existing constraints.
Review of Structures and Staffing
A full internal review of the structures and staffing in the accounts branch of my Department has been carried out. A lack of professional accountancy expertise has been identified and this is being addressed in the short-term through consultancy help – Deloitte & Touche.
A further outcome of the review was the identification of a lack of resources at middle management and general clerical level. Two extra appointments have been made and a further six are envisaged.
Turnover of personnel has been a contributor to problems in the accounts area of my Department and efforts are being made to manage this, in so far as is feasible.
Manuals and Documentation of Procedures
Manuals have been drafted that document procedures, and outline the steps that must be carried out, on a daily, monthly and annual basis, with particular emphasis on recording receipts and reconciling monthly with the PMG, the issue which gave rise to particular concern in the audit of my Department's accounts by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Training