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Sep
27
2018
Report Number:
FCS-FM-18-031
Report Type:
Audit Reports
Category: Finance

Unit Reserve Stamp Stock Accountability - Arlington, VA, Main Post Office

Background

This report presents the results of our self-initiated audit of Unit Reserve Stamp Stock Accountability – Arlington, VA, Main Post Office (Project Number 18BFM028FCS000). The Arlington Main Post Office is located in the Northern Virginia District of the Capital Metro Area. This audit was designed to provide U.S. Postal Service management with timely information on potential financial control risks at Postal Service locations.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) data analytics identified the Arlington, VA, Main Post Office with two large inventory count discrepancies in the unit reserve stamp stock accountability. Based on our analysis for fiscal year (FY) 2018, Quarter 1, we identified that Arlington Main Post Office had one-unit reserve stamp stock counts higher than the expected count and one less than the expected count for two consecutive days in December 2017. The unit reported a $214,015 overage and a $6,012 shortage in the counted stock compared to the expected stock in the two counts. It is unusual for one office to have such high percentage variances in unit reserve stamp stock inventory counts in less than a month. Inventory counts greater than expected result in an overage count, while inventory counts less than expected result in a shortage count.

The unit reserve stock custodian is responsible for managing the stamp stock inventory, and must report unit reserve stock activities. The postmaster or site manager must ensure timely performance of the unit reserve stamp count. In addition, the Revenue & Field Accounting organization, which reports to the Controller, developed facility reviews of financial controls, and each area is responsible for conducting these reviews and immediately remediating any findings. The reviews include seven field controls, including a control for stamp stock accountability.

The objective of this audit was to determine whether the unit reserve stamp stock inventory was managed effectively at the Arlington, VA, Main Post Office.

Report Recommendations

# Recommendation Status Value Initial Management Response USPS Proposed Resolution OIG Response Final Resolution
1

R - 1 -- instruct the postmaster to reiterate to the necessary personnel the requirements for properly conducting unit reserve stamp stock inventory counts and managing the inventory.

Closed $0 Agree
2

R - 2 -- direct the necessary unit personnel to complete Stamp Stock Management training.

Closed $0 Agree