The audit, released Friday, focused largely on the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services' accounting systems. Utah State Auditor John Dougall's office said DABS is unable to accurately record financial data from its enterprise resource planning system into the state's accounting general ledger system.
"Because DABS is a part of the State, its financial activities should be accurately recorded in FINET [the state's financial ledger system] to enable proper financial reporting and oversight. DABS’s operations are significant to the State and DABS is considered a major fund for the State’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report . The State cannot issue its ACFR if DABS data is not accurately recorded," the audit said.
The issue isn't limited to the DABS, but it concerns Dougall, because of how much money the agency brings in. The DABS reported more than $577 million in sales last year, a new record. The audit was also critical of a lack of coordination and communication in addressing the problems. During Friday's commission meeting, representatives from Utah's Department of Government Operations and DABS Executive Director Tiffany Clason said they were working to fix it.
"There’s no missing money. There’s been no fraud, neglect, abuse regarding the finances," Clason told FOX 13 News."The financial data exists, it’s there. This is merely an issue of two systems integrating and being aligned."In its response, the DABS accepted the findings of the auditors and said it was working to implement changes. The agency pointed out many of the problems highlighted by the audit date back well before the Cox administration.