ACT Auditor?General Maxine Cooper has presented a performance audit report on the Management and administration of credit cards by ACT Government entities.

“Credit card expenditure for most ACT Government entities only represents a very small component (less than 2 percent) of their total supplies and services expenditure, yet cards are an effective payment method. Given that ACT Government entities have, on the whole, effective arrangements for managing and administering credit cards the ACT Government is encouraged to assess the merits of increasing the use cards,” Maxine said.

“If card use is increased, it will be important that strong management and administration controls are in place to prevent fraud or misuse. While most current controls are satisfactory the audit identified areas for improvement, including undertaking credit card acquittals in a more timely manner”.

“Inefficient manual, paper?based administration and processing of credit card statements contributes to the longer time taken to acquit credit card statements. One of the six recommendations is aimed at fostering actions to progress the implementation of an automated credit card acquittal facility. Another recommendation encourages an assessment of the merits of increasing the use of cards. The other four recommendations provide guidance on improving the management and administration of credit cards.”