Background

This report presents a summary of the results of our self-initiated audits assessing the efficiency of selected processes at three selected retail units in the Arizona–New Mexico (AZ-NM) District. These retail units include Yuma Main Office, Lake Havasu City Post Office, and Phoenix-Sierra Adobe Station in the AZ-NM District of the WestPac Area. We previously issued interim reports to district management for each of these retail units regarding the conditions we identified.

Objective, Scope, and Methodology

Our objective was to review cash and stamp inventories, daily reporting activities, clock ring errors, and employee separations at the Yuma Main Office, the Lake Havasu City Post Office, and the Phoenix- Sierra Adobe Station. Our audit review scope period was April 1 through September 30, 2022.

To accomplish our objective, we reviewed data regarding inventories, daily reporting activities, clock ring errors, and employee separations to identify at risk transactions. We conducted physical counts of all cash, stamp, and money order inventories, reviewed stamp transfers, and evaluated selected internal controls. We also observed daily closing procedures, traced selected transactions to source documentation, and interviewed unit personnel. We determined the cause of clock ring errors and the steps taken to resolve them and reviewed compliance with procedures for separated employees, including timely suspending system access, and collecting and protecting accountable property.