Audit criticizes DOI employee reimbursements

Raleigh, N.C. — The state Department of Insurance didn't properly document reimbursements paid to employees for home Internet use, travel and cell phone use, according to a recent state audit.

Investigators with the State Auditor's Office questioned 53 instances of DOI employees being reimbursed for Internet service at home. They also said managers in the insurance department didn't review records of state-owned cell phone records to ensure employees weren't using them for personal calls.

Other findings in the audit include questions about reimbursements paid to employees for travel and for using their personal vehicles on state business, as well as eight instances where there was no documentation for an increase in an employee's pay grade.

DOI officials said they would tighten up their internal financial controls.