Item - 2011.AU5.8

The Audit Committee deferred consideration of the Item to its next regular meeting.

The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the more common themes and issues identified in previously issued audit reports.  The highlighting of these issues in a separate report provides an opportunity to revisit each one of these areas in order to ensure that they continue to receive an appropriate level of attention.  The issues identified are as follows:

-           There are significant efficiencies to be gained by the consolidation of various administrative functions throughout the City and its Agencies, Boards and Commissions.

-           Audit recommendations identified which are specific to individual Divisions, Agencies, Boards and Commissions need to be considered on a City-wide basis.  Recommendations generally have applicability not only to the entity subject to audit but also to other entities throughout the City.

-           Any decisions regarding the development and acquisition of financial information systems throughout the City’s Agencies, Boards and Commissions should first address whether or not the City’s system known as SAP should be the system of choice.

Each one of the above issues was raised in a number of individual and specific audit reports.

In terms of the Auditor General’s annual follow up of audit recommendations, areas such as those identified above are somewhat difficult to address mainly because they are City-wide.  Nevertheless, where individual audits identify instances where the recommendations relating to the above have not been implemented they will be reported to Audit Committee.