The investigation looked at the payment verification process behind each invoice. In other words, whether the invoices should have been paid. It also searched for leaks and holes in anti-fraud defenses. We set up a checklist of questions to determine leakage or verify payment. Looking at the level of government transactions is where the rubber meets the road.
All financial accounting is built upon transactions.
If the accounts payable system is in shambles, the entire financial accounting system is, too. At this point, I would like to explain how the process works, and what was being tested for. To do that, I would like Mr. Fitzgerald, a management controls expert, to take a couple of minutes to explain the process and what was done to test the system. The paper trail led to Denver, the headquarters of the DFAS operation. That s where the accounts payable operation is.