Purpose

To determine whether the use of travel monies by selected government employees complied with rules and regulations and is free from fraud, waste and abuse.  The audit covers the period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011.

Background

New York State’s executive agencies spend between $100 million and $150 million each year on travel expenses.  These expenses, which are discretionary and under the control of agency management, include car rentals, meals, lodging, transportation, fuel, and incidental costs such as airline baggage and travel agency fees.  As part of a statewide initiative to determine whether the use of travel money by selected government employees was appropriate, we audited travel expenses for the highest-cost travelers in the State, as well as other outliers.  Our analysis identified two travel cards used by staff at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs (Division) as high risk due to substantial charges for car rentals. The total costs associated with these travel cards was $118,843.

Key Findings

We found that the travel expenses for the two travel cards selected for audit were documented and adhered to State travel rules and regulations.  Division officials explained that the rental car charges were necessary to transport various Division personnel to locations in and around New York City as part of the Homeland Security Task Force and the Division efforts to provide security and quick response. 

Other Related Audits/Reports of Interest

Department of Taxation and Finance: Selected Employee Travel Expenses (2012-S-95)
State University of New York College at Oneonta – Selected Employee Travel Expenses (2012-S-145)