Overall Conclusions:
The Department of Veterans Affairs' internal controls provided reasonable assurance that payroll expenditures were accurately recorded in the accounting system and in compliance with applicable legal provisions and management's authorization. The department accurately recorded guardianship revenues and expenditures and grants in the accounting system, adequately safeguarded cash receipts, and properly authorized guardianship expenditures. For the items tested, the department complied with material finance-related legal provisions.
Department Background:
The Department of Veterans Affairs was created in 1943 to serve the veterans of Minnesota and their dependents and survivors. The department acts as an advocate for state veterans in their pursuit of benefits related to service in the armed forces of the United States. Upon request, the department will assist such persons in any attempt to legally obtain benefits under the laws of the United States, the state of Minnesota, or any other state or governmental agency.
Financial-Related Audit Reports address internal control weaknesses and noncompliance issues found during our audits of state departments and agencies. The scope of our work at the Department of Veterans Affairs included guardianship revenues and expenditures, payroll expenditures, State Soldier Assistance Program expenditures, and the Vinland Center and Cemetery Improvement grants for the period of July 1, 1999, through June 30, 2003.
