Spending Verification Promotes Transparency Comptroller’s Claims Auditors Serve as First Defense in Fraud Detection & Prevention
Kingston, NY (February 13, 2016) – Maintaining how taxpayers’ money is being spent and providing a watchful eye over its misuse and abuse are just a few of the benefits reaped by the extensive certification process of the Claims Auditing Team from the Ulster County Comptroller’s Office that are clearly outlined in a recent report entitled 2016 County Spending Tracker.
In 2016,nearly 26,000 separate invoices were reviewed,accounting for over $152 million in purchases of goods and services from 2,266 vendors. The top ten highest compensated vendors, totaling close to $50 million included several not-for-profits, municipalities, school districts and an insurance benefits administrator. The 2016 expenditures exceeded the previous year by 4%.
By rejecting nearly 400 invoices due to a variety of contractual, procedural or mathematical errors, the diligent work of the Claims Auditing Team resulted in thousands of dollars of taxpayer savings. Among the key functions of the audit process include daily verifications of the following: legitimacy of claim, approvals and authorizations, adequacy of budgetary appropriations and mathematical accuracy. The day to day and ongoing audits verify that the expense has been accurately recorded, documented and substantiated.
In spite of budgetary reduction to staff and man hours, the Comptroller’s Office continues to protect taxpayers’ interests by insisting on transparency through the audit and certification of all lawful claims or charges against the County.
The report can be found on the Comptroller’s website www.YourEyesOnUlster.com
