COMMISSION ON AUDIT MEMORANDUM NO. 86-444 January 2, 1986 TO : All COA Officials and Employees and Others concerned. SUBJECT : Adopting a System-Based Approach in the Audit of Personal Services. I. Rationale The present audit procedures in the audit of personal services (e.g. payroll) involve much routine work. The detailed checking and comparison of payees with the master list, the recomputation of amounts due the individual payees and footings of totals and extensions take up the major portion of the work of the auditing unit but does not necessarily result in more effective audit work. Since nearly 70% of government expenditures go to personal services, the quality and effectiveness of the audit need to be improved through the adoption of a new approach. II. Salient Features The new audit objectives and procedures focus on the review and evaluation of the systems and controls relative to personal services as the initial step in the audit. The result of the auditor's survey and systems evaluation will determine the extent of the detailed examination to be undertaken and whether or not the sampling technique will be adopted. Time and effort will be exerted only in the initial survey and evaluation of the system, since subsequently the auditor needs only to periodically update his information and validate the system. Detailed examination should concentrate on the changes in the regular payroll, such as new employees, retirees, additional pay or changes in rates and deduction. For regular payroll, random sampling technique will be adopted in the detailed examination by selecting employees from the payroll sheet. The examination should include checking and verification not only of the payroll data but also all supporting documents such as leave cards, attendance records, and other permanent records, rates or computation of pay of the employees selected including the funding and recording of the transaction. The objectives and procedures are numerous and exhaustive but this should not give the impression that more time will be needed to audit under the new approach. The application of the systems based approach and the adoption of sampling in audit will result in time savings in audit which can be spent on other audit areas. The attached appendix, which contains the new audit objectives and procedures, is lifted from the State Audit Manual scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 1986. It consist of objectives and procedures in the audit of different types of Personal Services and related areas, broken down into the following sections: 1. 2. 3. Survey Systems Evaluation Detailed Examination 4. III Performance Audit of Personnel Management Effectivity The objective and procedures issued under this memorandum shall be applied effective January, 1986. (SGD.) FRANCISCO S. TANTUICO, JR., Chairman "APPENDIX" AUDIT OF PERSONAL SERVICES OBJECTIVES 1. Survey : To understand the payroll system and its controls so that significant audit areas can be determined and assessed, and possible audit objectives can be identified in a relatively short period of time. 2. Systems Evaluation: To review and test management controls so as to ascertain weaknesses that could give rise to material error and to determine the extent of detailed audit to be conducted. (a) Payroll Policies: To determine whether personnel policies and employee assignments ensure completeness and accuracy in processing and summarizing payroll data and payments to employees. (b) Leave and Attendance Records: To determine if controls over the recording of leaves and attendance records are adequate. (c) Permanent Payroll Data: To ascertain whether controls over master payroll data ensure that payments for personal services are made to legally appointed employees only and at authorized rates. (d) Payroll Payments: To determine whether controls over payroll payments ensure that payroll funds are controlled and safeguard until claimed. (e) Deductions: To determine if controls over payroll deductions ensure that deductions are made at required/authorized rates and that these are accounted for with accuracy and remitted to parties to whom they are due. (f) Overtime Payments: To ascertain whether controls over overtime payments ensure that payments are made only in valid and appropriate cases. 3. Examination of Payroll Payments: To ascertain 1) whether payments of salaries/wages and allowances are made only to legally appointed employees and paid at authorized rates in accordance with rules and regulations, 2) whether deductions are made accurately and in accordance with rules and regulations, and remitted to the proper authorities, 3) whether payments and deductions are supported by complete documents appearing legal and proper, and 4) whether payments and deductions are charged to appropriate allotment accounts and properly recorded in the books. (a) Additional Objective for Labor Payroll: To determine correctness, reasonableness and validity of the cost of labor vis-à-vis total project cost. (b) Additional Objective for Payments to Casuals/Contractuals/Consultants: To ascertain the correctness and validity of payments to casual/contractual employees and consultants, and to determine whether the services of all or a certain number can be dispensed with without affecting agency operations. (c) Overtime Payments: To determine the validity and appropriateness of payment for overtime services and to ascertain whether such services can be dispensed with or minimized without affecting operations. (d) Payments for Other Personal Services: To ascertain whether payments are authorized in accordance with existing rules and regulations and are supported by complete documents appearing legal and proper, and to ascertain whether deductions, if any, are remitted to appropriate parties. 4. Performance Audit of Personal Management: To ascertain if personnel policies and practices can achieve operational economy and efficiency, and to determine whether those responsible for administering and implementing programs/projects/activities have the needed competence and qualifications for the job, and that there enough of them. PROCEDURES 1. Survey Objective: To understand the payroll system and its controls so that significant audit areas can be determined and assessed, and possible audit objectives can be identified in a relatively short period of time. (a) (b) Obtain and study the following data/documents: Total budget/appropriation for personal services Actual funds available for personal services per allotment advice/cash disbursement ceiling. Agency's written policies, guidelines, standards and operations manual for payroll Approved plantilla of Organizational Chart Flowcharts for the different types of payroll Appropriate rules and regulations Original payroll sheets/vouchers Copies of relevant internal audit reports. personnel/Personnel Services Itemization Inquire into the agency's payroll procedures/operations and the control points designed in the system. Prepare interview notes in memo form. (c) Identify the various types of payroll in the agency, such as: Regular Payroll (permanent and temporary employees) Labor payroll, casual, emergency employees Contractual, consultants, experts, lecturers Overtime/honorarium Subsistence and other allowances/benefits (d) Validate the existing flowcharts, if any, by selecting one or two items for each type of payroll transaction and tracing the route and the related documents and records of each selected transaction from inception to ultimate disposition. Prepare the working papers. (e) If no existing flowcharts are available, prepare flowcharts for each payroll type based on the data obtained: Hiring Time/record keeping for time worked and not worked Preparation of payroll, calculations and other clerical work Payment Termination of/retirement from employment (f) Observe actual operation for procedures not documented to confirm understanding of the system. Incorporate observations/findings in the working papers. (g) Evaluate data gathered and determine the areas with potential audit significance considering such factors as the following: (h) Importance or impact Materiality Known/suspected operation Suspected irregularity, non-compliance with rules and regulations or potential area of uneconomical or inefficient Evaluate internal controls adopted on specific prescribed procedures expected to be relied upon in determining the nature, extent and timing of the substantive test of payroll. 2. Systems Evaluation Objective: To determine whether personnel policies and employee assignments ensure completeness and accuracy in processing and summarizing payroll data and payments to employees. (a) See if there are clearly defined and written procedures/guidelines outlining the objectives, policies, standards and procedures for: Hiring and separation of personnel Inclusion in/deletion from payroll Recording of attendance and absences Processing regular differentials, etc. Paying, recording and accounting and special payrolls for overtime, allowances, If there are none, determine what guides are being followed and evaluate their adequacy. (b) Check compliance of personnel policies with Civil Service and other laws and rules. (c) Interview employees assigned to the payroll system to see if they are: Adequately informed of the agency’s policies, guidelines, standards objectives for payroll. Fully aware of applicable rules and regulations pertaining to the payroll function. Informed of the lines of authority and responsibility and advised of organizational changes in the payroll function. and Document results of interview. (d) Look into the job assignments of the employees assigned to the payroll system and check or test check if the duties are properly segregated such that a single individual does not perform incompatible functions. Functions which should be segregated include: Preparation of the payroll, payroll checks, pay envelops Checking of computations of gross pay, payroll deductions and footings of payroll summaries before payment and extensions Authorization/approval of payments Payments by Cash Reconciliation of payroll bank account (if such is maintained) (e) Observe actual operation to confirm data obtained in the preceding procedures. (f) Document and summarize all findings. Objective: (a) (b) To determine if controls over the recording of leaves and attendance records ensure 1) that evidence of attendance is sufficient, 2) that employees are entitled to all the leaves they have availed of, 3) that earned leaves and those availed of are properly documented and recorded, and 4) that undertimes and absences are properly deducted from leave credits and/or payroll. Determine if daily time records each employee and see if: and leave applications are required from Said records are properly authorized/approved Leaves availed of are in accordance with entitlements A responsible official supervises use of time clock Ascertain whether leave records and time logbooks are maintained and see if: Leave records are maintained for each employee and regularly updated Time record books are properly safeguarded or controlled to avoid alterations or loss Time logbooks, leave records and individual personal records (including contracts of employment) are maintained independently of the payroll department (c) Reconcile data on attendance reports with those in time logbook and leave records and determine if undertimes and absences are recorded/deducted from either the leave credits or the payroll. (d) From the data gathered, summarize audit findings and observations. Objective: (a) To ascertain whether controls over master payroll data ensure that payments for personal services are made only to legally appointed employees at authorized rates of pay. Verify if changes to master payroll data are fully documented and authorized in writing and approved by duly authorized official. Such changes include: New Hires/additions to the payroll Separations/deletions to payroll Changes in rates of pay and deductions from pay (b) Determine the time lag between the preparation and receipt of notice of changes and adjustments, and the effectivity of the required changes in the master payroll. (c) From the data gathered, summarize findings. Objective: To determine whether controls over payroll payments ensure that payroll funds are adequately controlled and safeguarded until claimed by the proper employees. Payment by Check/Warrant and Bank Transfer: (a) Verify if each check is compared to the individual items in the payroll, and that the totals of the checks are compared to the totals of the payroll. (b) See if the checks are directly released representative. (c) Determine if payment/mailing are performed by persons who: (d) (e) of to employees or their duly authorized payroll checks/warrants or bank transfers Take no part in the payroll preparation Are not responsible for hiring or firing Do not approve time records Determine if the payroll discloses: The names of employees who release the check/warrant The name of the person to whom the check was released if other than payee The date of release The official or employee who witnessed the payment Verify if unclaimed checks are in the possession of the cashier/responsible officer and are adequately safeguarded. Find out why these checks remain unclaimed. PAYMENT BY CASH: (a) See whether advances drawn by disbursing officers/special disbursing officers are only for the total net payroll for the week/pay period. (b) Look into time-lags among payroll preparation, receipt of cash advance, and actual payment. See if cash advances for salaries and wages are paid promptly. (c) Analyze reports of disbursements. See that payments of salaries and wages are given priority over other expenditures. (d) Determine if persons other than those who prepare the payroll control the cash until paid to employees. If not, look into other control measures instituted. (e) See that disbursing officers pay only the payrolls assigned to them. (f) Verify whether unclaimed salaries and wages have been cancelled from the payroll, refunded, and duly receipted for and deposited/remitted. See that proper adjustments are made. Objective: To determine if controls over payroll deductions ensure that deductions are made at required/authorized rates and that these are accounted for with accuracy and remitted to the parties to whom they are due. (a) Check if all required/authorized deductions are affected at the rates prescribed and/or authorized. See that unauthorized deductions are discontinued. (b) Verify if individual subsidiary ledgers for accounts withheld are maintained and updated. (c) See if the ledgers are independently reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that withheld amounts are remitted promptly. (d) Reconcile the payroll deductions remitted against the payroll for the period. Determine whether the variances, if any, are immediately investigated and corrected. Objective: To ascertain whether controls over overtime services ensure validity and appropriateness of payments. (a) See that the system for overtime work requires approval/authorization. Ascertain whether the duration of said authority: is specific as to the period within which such service is to be performed is made for a period not longer than three months does not extend beyond the end of the calendar year. (b) Determine if overtime payments are reviewed to ensure that they are computed at authorized rates and/or are within the ceiling allowed for overtime pay or for compensation in lieu of overtime pay. (c) See if overtime services are properly supervised. (d) See if overtime services are properly reflected in the authorized attendance reports and time logbook for the period under review. 3. (e) Ascertain that overtime is not used to offset undertimes. (f) Summarize findings. Examination of Payroll Payments Objective (for Regular Payroll): To ascertain whether payments of and deductions from salaries/wages and allowances are 1) made to legally appointed employees (or remitted to other parties in the case of deductions) in accordance with rules and regulations and following the authorized rates, 2) supported by complete documents appearing legal and proper and, 3) charged to the appropriate allotment accounts and properly recorded. Master list (a) Beginning January 1986, and every three years thereafter, establish the accuracy of the master list. For subsequent audits, compare the total number of payees for the pay period under review with the latest audited payroll. List down employees added to or deleted from the payroll. List down changes observed. (b) Look into the changes noted and see if: the changes are duly authorized. those included in the approved plantilla which are added to the payroll are covered by the approved budget. the computations are correct. the inclusions and deletions are supported by complete documents appearing legal and proper. (c) Obtain monthly a list of employees who have retired, resigned, transferred, died, fined, etc. from the Personnel Unit. See that they are deleted from the payroll or that proper deductions have been made from their salaries. (d) Once every quarter, select sample employees from payrolls, and undertake the following: Look into the authority and documentation on the rates of pay, deductions and allowances noted as well as the correctness of the gross and net pay totals of the sample tested. Trace samples to index cards kept by the Accounting Unit to check for possible double payments. Document and summarize relevant data/evidence gathered and findings, observations and conclusions reached. Leave and Attendance (a) Ascertain whether attendance reports are approved and duly supported by approved daily time records and leave applications, if any. (b) Check reports with the logbooks. Verify any signs of tampered time/attendance records. (c) Trace absences and undertimes to leave records and see that they are deducted either from the leave records or the succeeding month's payroll. (d) See that leave records are updated, showing leaves availed of and the remaining leave credits. Allowances and Deductions (a) Verify whether allowances granted and deductions made are authorized by law and rules. (b) Voucher and test-check mathematical computations of allowances granted and deductions made. (c) Verify withholding rates with 1) tax tables and 2) employees deductions declaration form, and check or test check computations of the deductions for withholding taxes. (d) Reconcile balances of payroll deductions in the subsidiary ledger with the related payroll, and compare remittances made during the year with the actual deductions per payroll. (e) Compare dates of remittances with their corresponding due dates. Ascertain the liability for late/non-remittance and discuss them with appropriate officials. Payroll Payment (a) Determine if the payroll was certified and approved by authorized officials. (b) Check or test check arithmetical accuracy of the footings and crossfootings of the payroll sheets/reports audited. (c) Reconcile total net pay per payroll with cash advance vouchers or the payroll checks, individually or in aggregate, to ensure that no excess disbursement was made. (d) Observe payroll payment, noting particularly the procedures used in identifying employees. (e) Follow up the disposition of unclaimed pay checks or cash. If payment is through the bank, (a) Ascertain correctness of amount remitted to the bank. Trace remittance against the net pay totals in the payroll. Determine if the list on net pay per employee sent to the bank reconciles with that of the payroll/masterfile. (b) Verify monthly bank reconciliation statement. On a test basis, trace credits to payroll master list. (c) Look into the bank credit memos for returned salaries/other personal services payments. (d) Verify if remittances for the required deductions have been properly adjusted. Objective: To determine correctness, reasonableness and validity of the cost of labor. (a) On a regular basis, secure copies of the following: Programs of work Employment list/Job Order Standards for labor costs Progress/Accomplishment Reports (b) With the assistance of engineers/technical staff, look into and analyze the proportion of labor cost with the total project cost. Compare against standards. (c) Conduct ocular inspection of projects. See if the laborers on the employment list/job orders are actually rendering service. If possible, conduct inspection during payday to observe payroll payment. Compare number of laborers/workers and wage rate of laborers in the timebook and payroll against employment list/job order and program of work. See if the actual number of laborers exceed the number specified in the program. Secure explanation for deviations. (d) (e) See if the number of laborers who undertake the work is in accordance with the established standards considering the skills requirements. (f) Verify if, on the timebook and payrolls, the thumbmarks of individual laborers made in lieu of signatures are properly witnessed, and if needed data about their residence certificates are indicated. (g) On a test basis, compare the signatures of laborers with the signatures on existing records and on payroll sheets for other periods. Take note of and verify discrepancies. (h) Compare total cost of labor against program/accomplishment report and the cost as per the program of work. Objective (for Payments to Casuals/Contractuals/Consultants): To ascertain the correctness and validity of payments to casual employees, contractuals and consultants, and to determine whether the services of all or only a certain of number can be dispensed with without affecting agency operations. (a) (b) (c) Validate the data contained in the following documents: Updated schedule of casuals/contractuals and consultants hired by operating units with the following information: 1) names, 2) description of actual duties, 3) terms of employment, and 4) rates Copy of contracts or appointments On a test basis, undertake the following: Compare payees against discrepancies/changes Trace sample to index cards to check for possible double payments. Look into attendance records or equivalent. Ascertain whether absences are deducted from pay. In the case of casuals, determine if they are entitled to earn leave credits. Check the accuracy of the rate and frequency of payment by referring to the terms of the contract. the schedule and examine any Review appointments/contracts and take note of the following: Conformity with pertinent laws and rules and Civil Service rules and regulations Authority of signatories (contracting parties) Date of effectivity and terms of the contract Specific duties and responsibilities of the contracting parties. In the case of Consultants, the nature of their assignments Reasonableness of the contract price/salary in the degree of specialization, etc. light of complexity, (d) Appropriation for the services contracted Time extensions if allowed Gather information on the following: Reasons for hiring Workload of the unit Workload assigned to regular employees Workload assigned to casuals/contractuals/consultants Comparative cost incurred for said services for the last N years System of monitoring of costs and accomplishment to ensure conformity with the contract and that allotments are not exceeded as regards the former (e) Examine reports of accomplishments of regular employees and ascertain whether work done by casuals/contractuals can be undertaken by them. (f) Assess the projects/activities within the context of the programs and manpower of the agency. Determine if the services performed, including those done by consultants because of their specialized knowledge or the regular staff of the agency can render expertise. (g) Examine reports of accomplishments. See if these reports: Contain the activities of the unit/office/project Are accomplished within the approved time frame and budget allocation and following the specifications Are reflective of actual operations. Be on the lookout for unutilized manhours by the regular employees and the hires. (h) From the above data, determine whether the need to hire is due to the unutilized man-hours of regular employees and determine the cost equivalent of such unutilized man-hours. (I) Analyze the growth in expenditure for services casuals/contractuals/consultants. Comment on any significant trends. (j) Compute the possible savings if hiring is done only when necessary and in the interest of the service. (k) Summarize all findings/observations and conclusions. by Objective: To determine the validity and appropriateness of payment for overtime services and to ascertain whether such services can be dispensed with or minimized without affecting agency operations. (a) On a test basis, examine overtime payments taking note of the following: Authority to render overtime Rate authorized Overtime work performed and actual accomplishment Man-hours utilized Position/rank of the person rendering overtime (b) Check accuracy of the overtime payments and compare the amount with that appearing in the payroll. See that the total overtime does not exceed the maximum ceiling set. (c) Obtain descriptions of jobs actually performed at regular hours and during overtime by employees rendering the overtime. (d) Determine whether the overtime work working hours. can be performed during regular Interview supervisors and determine routine and seasonal activities undertaken. Identify the peak and slack periods. Look into requirements for reports and/or documents being prepared during overtime. By examining reports and other documents, determine whether the activities that can be done during slack periods are being done. By examining approved daily time records, see if need to render overtime resulted from absences and/or undertimes. (e) Prepare an analysis of the work performed against the purpose of the overtime as authorized and the man-hours utilized. Compute for the possible savings if overtime had been kept to the minimum and/or prepare comparative analysis on cost of hiring new employees as against total overtime expenses. (f) Evaluate data gathered and documented. Summarize findings/observations and recommendations. Objectives: To ascertain whether payments are authorized in accordance with existing rules and regulations, and are supported by complete documents appearing legal and proper; and to ascertain whether deductions, if any, are remitted to appropriate parties. Initial Salary - Permanent or Temporary Employees (a) Verify appointment papers and check the names, designation and rate of pay of employees against approved plantilla of personnel. (b) Ascertain the correctness of the amount to be paid. Verify deductions. Trace number of days/hours worked from the daily time record/attendance sheet. (c) Check the following documents: (d) Assumption to Office Oath of Office properly accomplished earlier than assumption to office Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the preceding accomplished and subscribed to and subscribed to, and dated not year, properly If transferee, check the following additional documents: Approval of the transfer of the employee Certificate of Clearance from former office Certificate of leave credits from former office Certificate showing the date the appointee left his former official station Statement verified by the auditor thereat as to the amount of salary last paid by the former office and for what period. (e) Inspect time/attendance records and see if absences were deducted either from the pay or the leave credits, if transferee. (f) If the appointment is by reinstatement, look over the appointee’s certificate relative to any retirement or lay-off gratuity received and the leave or money value commuted/enjoyed. (h) Verify evidence on refunds and remittance of amounts previously collected for unexpired portion of gratuity and the money value of unused vacation/sick leave. See that the reappointed employee only receives either the salary for the position or the pension/gratuity/annuity. See that the deductions were remitted to appropriate parties. Sick/Vacation/Terminal Leave (a) Check if application for leave was approved. Trace to leave cards. Determine if there is enough leave credits. (b) Verify the propriety and correctness of the following supporting documents: Medical certificate in case of sick leave of more than 5 days Certificate of Clearance for leave of more than 30 days Statement of Assets and Liabilities Approved resignation or retirement (for terminal leave) Certification from disbursing officer that the claim had not been included in the payroll Maternity Leave (a) Check if application for leave was approved. (b) Verify the propriety and correctness of the following supporting documents: (c) Marriage Certificate (for first maternity leave) Medical certificate Certificate of Clearance Look into the employee's status of employment and number of years in service (See Manual on Audit of Disbursements. Honorarium (a) Check the following supporting documents. Authority to collect honorarium Certification of services rendered Copy of the contract, if any, between the agency and the grantee if latter is not an employee of the agency (b) See that the rates and totals in accordance with rules and regulations. (c) Verify the amount of the honorarium actually paid. Check correctness of income tax withheld. See that they have been remitted. (d) Check if an appropriation for honoraria is specifically provided for. Commutable Representation, Transportation and Other Allowances 4. (a) Check specific authority of law and determine if the allowances are within the authority granted. (b) Verify double collection. Ensure that if allowances are given in kind, such as living quarters, or subsistence, no cash payments are made. Performance Audit of Personnel Management Objectives: To ascertain if personnel policies and practices can achieve operational economy and efficiency; and to determine whether those responsible for administering and implementing the program/project/activities possess the needed competence and qualifications for the job, and that there are enough of them. (a) (b) Determine how officials and employees belonging to various management levels perform their tasks. Review the agency's organization chart and/or policies to identify staff with responsibility for management. Obtain list of personnel and the responsibilities assigned to each. Select a number of personnel and review their job descriptions. functions with them and determine if: Discuss their They know their responsibilities The work actually performed is in accordance with their job descriptions. (c) Determine if functions being performed are necessary. See if those in lesser positions and receiving lower compensation can perform these functions. (d) Ascertain if work is duplicative. If the work can be combined with other related tasks, determine possible man-hours that could have been saved and utilized to carry out other activities of the agency. (e) Prepare a comparative analysis of employee's accomplishments against the targets set per their individual work program. Note down variances observed and secure management's/employee's comment/justifications. Look into the following: Frequency of work evaluation of employees Criteria used for performance appraisal. Determine their sufficiency and validity. Qualifications of the supervisory and support personnel i.e., their abilities, skills, education and training needed to accomplish their jobs. Evaluate their qualifications against the standards set by the Office of Budget and Management and the Civil Service Commission. (f) Look into other causes of shortcomings/gaps in expected performance, if any. Distinguish internal from external causes. (g) Determine existence of a human resource development program. See if it addresses training needs and provides adequate external and internal training. (h) Look into the following: Working condition and improvements that can be recommended. Morale. Observe signs Attitudes towards personnel policies Rate of employee turnover and the mechanisms to identify reasons for transfer, resignations, etc. and how they are relayed back to units concerned for appropriate action. of discontent, indifference or antagonism. (i) Inquire into causes of frequent absences, tardiness and excessive time offs. Determine if absences and undertimes greatly affect work accomplishment. Look into actions taken to remedy the situation. (j) Summarize audit findings and recommendations.