Financial Controls Improve Thanks to Senior Operations Clerks

The Performance Measurement and Administrative Support Services sections of Operations Engineering & Technical Services introduced an inventory management enhancement initiative in the fall of 2009 aimed at improving the accuracy of bulk material tracking throughout the Public Works branch. In collaboration with the Financial Services Unit (FSU), six strategies were developed in order to improve the consistency between the recorded SAP balances and the actual physical inventories of materials located throughout the Public Works yards. The first stage of the project was implemented on October 12th, with rollouts planned for the remainder of 2009.

The direct benefits of the initiative are improved financial controls that will let managers in Public Works and FSU make more informed decisions regarding inventory management. The improved accuracy of SAP records will reduce instances of understock, overstock, negative stock, and obsolete inventory situations. Finally, improved reliability of the financial records on both balance sheets and expenditures will meet the City’s financial control framework objectives.

The success of the project would not have been possible without the support of Public Works’ Senior Operations Clerks, Operations Clerks, and Operations Technicians. Their hard work and dedication has been instrumental in the implementation and ongoing effectiveness of the program. The analysts in FSU have also been essential partners who have contributed to the program at every stage of the process. Without their support, the inventory enhancements would not have been possible. Performance Measurement would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff who were involved in the inventory enhancement initiative. Additional thanks goes to Eric Katmarian and Jim Raycroft, as well as Brian Carry and Jason Staniforth for championing the project.

By Jonathan Hamilton and Sam Bowers