Was it all worth it? I’m going to pose that question as we consider for a moment the occurrence of frequent misuse and delinquencies of government purchase cards. There have been a rising number of infractions concerning the matter; more specifically these are the charges rendered in one of the more recent cases. One felony charge of theft of government property, five years probation, and $170,000 in restitution cost seems a bit steep for a TV wouldn’t one think? A former Department of Veterans Affairs employee recently pled guilty to one count of theft of Government property. The former employee used her Government credit card to purchase expensive items (TVs were a favorite), which she then re-sold or kept for herself.
The judge sentenced …show more content…
Similar to all other organization the Department of Veteran Affairs have standards of conduct in which employees must adhere. To emphasize some of the criteria as mentioned earlier; under no circumstances will the purchase card or convenience check be used for personal purchases. (Edward J. Murray, Chief financial Officer) Cardholders may not solicit or accept gratuity, favors, gifts, loans, or anything of monetary value from any party doing business with or seeking to do business with the Department of Veteran Affairs. (Edward J. Murray, Chief financial …show more content…
Abuse is a very common infringement, so there are levels of integrity established to eradicate those breaches. As we all know taxpayers subsidize the funds appropriated by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Therefore, paying an excessive amount for an item that can be procured much cheaper is a violation. To minimize these occurrences, A/OPC’s are set in place to oversee the card program for the organization and further establish guidelines. The A/OPC serve as liaisons between the cardholder and the purchase card-servicing bank. Another measure of integrity is the AO; the AO is typically a supervisor that authorizes the purchases and ensures that the card is used properly. With these measure put in place we understand that the Department of Veteran Affairs are actively monitoring the government purchase card program. The institution of this check and balance system should further promote efficient use of the credit card, and inhibit
The judge sentenced …show more content…
Similar to all other organization the Department of Veteran Affairs have standards of conduct in which employees must adhere. To emphasize some of the criteria as mentioned earlier; under no circumstances will the purchase card or convenience check be used for personal purchases. (Edward J. Murray, Chief financial Officer) Cardholders may not solicit or accept gratuity, favors, gifts, loans, or anything of monetary value from any party doing business with or seeking to do business with the Department of Veteran Affairs. (Edward J. Murray, Chief financial …show more content…
Abuse is a very common infringement, so there are levels of integrity established to eradicate those breaches. As we all know taxpayers subsidize the funds appropriated by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Therefore, paying an excessive amount for an item that can be procured much cheaper is a violation. To minimize these occurrences, A/OPC’s are set in place to oversee the card program for the organization and further establish guidelines. The A/OPC serve as liaisons between the cardholder and the purchase card-servicing bank. Another measure of integrity is the AO; the AO is typically a supervisor that authorizes the purchases and ensures that the card is used properly. With these measure put in place we understand that the Department of Veteran Affairs are actively monitoring the government purchase card program. The institution of this check and balance system should further promote efficient use of the credit card, and inhibit