Summary

GAO observed internal controls over revenue and expenditure transactions at accounting stations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

GAO found that: (1) collections were not adequately controlled at many accounting stations; (2) prenumbered receipts were not deposited properly; (3) collections were not deposited promptly; (4) collections were not adequately protected against unauthorized access; (5) the duties of personnel were not separated adequately; (6) accounts receivable were not collected agressively and promptly; (7) receivables for outstanding travel advances, unused transportation tickets, amounts due for employees' personal telephone calls, and medical insurance reimbursements remained outstanding for long periods; (8) imprest funds were not always properly handled and safeguarded; (9) unannounced cash verifications were not performed; (10) temporary advances were not liquidated promptly; (11) cashier and subcashier fund requirements were not reviewed; (12) both imprest fund cash disbursement and emergency funding procedures were not followed; and (13) individual cash disbursements exceeded limits, and emergency funding procedures were used to make daily, routine payments.