7.16 Credit cards

Accountable officers and statutory bodies as defined by the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 (FAA Act) are required to comply with sections 38-43 of the Financial Management Standard 1997 (FMS), which relate to management of expenses. Section 40 of the FMS relates specifically to expense management of credit card facilities, and requires that each accountable officer and statutory body must implement systems for credit card facilities that ensure:

1. credit cards are used only for authorised purposes;
2. misuse is promptly detected, through the operation of internal controls, and reported to the accountable officer or statutory body;
3. use of an official credit card facility is restricted to appropriate officers;
4. if practicable, only one account in the name of the department or statutory body is opened with the provider of the facility;
5. reasonable documentation about the transaction is kept; and
6. for a department - the systems are consistent with the document called 'Treasurer's Guidelines for the use of the Queensland Corporate Purchasing Card.'

In accordance with the FMS, in developing expense management systems, accountable officers and statutory bodies must comply with the General Guidelines for Personal Expenses and the Use of Credit Cards by Public Service Employees, as issued by the Office of the Public Service Commissioner.

These Guidelines have been developed to assist accountable officers in the discharge of their financial responsibilities, by defining principles and practices for the reimbursement of expenses incurred as part of official duties and for the administration of charges made on an official credit card.

A copy of the Guidelines is accessible on the Internet at www.psc.qld.gov.au (external link).

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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