The Auditor-General has found that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Band’s financial activities were not recorded in the government’s official accounting system for the year ending July 31, 2023.
The report on 2023 General Administration Sector noted that the RFMF Band was engaged for official ceremonial functions, military protocols, and community events approved by the Commander RFMF.
However, the audit found that “receipts from band activities of $5300 and band expenses totalling $4356 were not recorded in the FMIS General Ledger.”
It also highlighted that expenditures of $23,233 were incurred from Fund 1 SEG 52 for the purchase of band equipment.
The closing balance of the RFMF Band Account was $7324.36 as at July 31, 2023.
The report stated that the audit “was not provided with any policy or guideline on the operation of the Band Account”.
The Auditor-General recommended that the RFMF “liaise with the Ministry of Finance on reflecting the Force’s Band account in the FMIS General Ledger as receipts are derived from providing services to the public by officers while on duty” and to “ensure that all revenue generated from the hire of the band is deposited into the Consolidated Fund Account”.
In response, the RFMF noted the comments by the OAG and said the RFMF would comply with the recommendations.