Episode 9: Payroll Audits

In this episode, we dive into Salt Lake County Auditor’s recent payroll audit findings, which span 12 different agencies with over 200 tests conducted. Through these audits, the team identified 120 issues and made 192 recommendations aimed at strengthening operations and maintaining transparency.

Our auditors share insights on why payroll audits are critical for a county with a workforce of around 7,500 employees and a payroll that exceeds $270 million. With a wide range of roles, from attorneys to lifeguards, it's crucial to ensure consistent, accurate payroll practices across agencies.

Tune in to hear about audit findings, including employees paid after termination, subordinates approving supervisors' time, and challenges with cell phone reimbursement policies. We also discuss risks such as inadequate access control and the need for a unified payroll manual, as well as the role of “tone at the top” in preventing shared logins and ensuring policy compliance.

Finally, our team offers recommendations to enhance operations through policy updates, consistent monitoring, and ongoing training. This episode provides a transparent look at how our audits help improve accountability and efficiency across Salt Lake County.