In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding significant oversight issues in employee time sheet management, with nearly 40% of time sheets being completed by supervisors rather than the employees themselves. This lack of direct oversight raises questions about the accuracy of payroll, as supervisors could potentially alter hours worked, leading to underpayment or overpayment of employees.

Director Bienfeld addressed these concerns, stating that while premium payments such as overtime were tested and found to be accurate, the reliance on supervisors to complete time sheets poses risks. Employees are typically the best source of information regarding their own hours worked, and the potential for supervisors to manipulate time sheets is troubling.

The discussion also highlighted the need for better communication of audit findings across state agencies. Representative Quam suggested that successful implementations from audits should be shared to help other organizations improve their processes, while also ensuring that errors are communicated to prevent future issues. Director Bienfeld confirmed that Minnesota Management and Budget has a unit dedicated to tracking audit findings and sharing them with other agencies, although there is room for improvement in how this information is summarized and disseminated.

Senator Dibble pointed out that the current audit revealed 12 findings, an increase from 7 findings in the previous audit conducted in 2013, with one issue remaining unresolved. This raises concerns about the agency's management practices over the past decade. Deputy Director Alisonbee acknowledged the troubling trend but refrained from drawing definitive conclusions about the agency's overall performance.

Senator Rest expressed frustration over the repeat findings and the agency's struggles to fulfill its mission, particularly during the pandemic. She emphasized the importance of accountability and suggested that a follow-up review be conducted to assess compliance with audit recommendations.

The meeting underscored the critical need for improved oversight and accountability within state agencies, particularly in payroll management, to prevent fraud and ensure fair compensation for employees.