2 workers use employer's corporate procurement card for non-businesses related purchases
Crown corporation SaskPower lost nearly $27,000 due to employee theft recently, according to a disclosure from the Saskatchewan government.
Specifically, an employee used a corporate procurement card and a fuel card for personal purchases totalling $23,761.36. An internal audit revealed that the transactions occurred between Nov. 1, 2023, and Oct. 22, 2024.
Following the investigation, multiple recommendations were made to SaskPower management to improve internal processes, enhance monitoring, and address control deficiencies.
“Management is currently developing corrective actions to respond to the recommendations,” says the Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) of Saskatchewan.
Meanwhile, “the person responsible is no longer working at SaskPower. A repayment plan has been agreed to.”
Another SaskPower worker used a corporate procurement card for non-business related purchases between March 1, 2023 to April 1, 2024.
Overall, the worker purchased goods totalling $3,184.83.
SaskPower is currently investigating the incident, and the individual being investigated has been placed on leave pending the results of the investigation.
“The investigation of the incident is still ongoing,” says CIC. “Internal Audit recommendations have been provided to management to improve processes, enhance monitoring and fix control deficiencies. Management is currently developing corrective actions to respond to the recommendations.”
Previously, one worker at Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) took home a total of $29,660 over the past two years from paid overtime shifts that weren’t worked.
How to avoid employee theft
To prevent employee theft, businesses should adopt a multi-layered approach, according to Case IQ, a case management firm.
“This includes establishing clear policies and regularly communicating them to employees, enforcing consequences for violations, and implementing internal controls to monitor activities. Conducting thorough background checks during hiring, training employees on ethics, and promoting a culture of integrity also play key roles.
“Regular audits and inventory checks, installing security systems, and restricting access to sensitive information or areas help deter theft. Additionally, encouraging open communication and providing anonymous reporting channels empower employees to report suspicious behavior without fear of retaliation.”
Recently, Amazon decided to reinstate metal-detector screening and personal phone registration at its U.S. warehouses, reigniting a longstanding debate about workplace theft prevention.
