CFOs Reveal Unusual Items on Expense Reports

January 19, 2012 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed for the Robert Half Management Resources survey named some unusual things they've seen employees include in expense reports.

A few of the most questionable items include cosmetic surgery, lottery tickets, pet food, a trailer rental for a family reunion, $12,000 for a family trip, a speeding ticket, a teepee and a fine for crashing into a toll booth.  

Gadget, leisure and hobby expenses also made the list: 

• A person lost his personal cell phone somewhere in the office, so he submitted the cost of a new one, 
• Movie tickets, 
• Hotel charge for viewing adult movies, 
• Day at the spa, 
• Golf trip for the employee and his three friends, and 
• Video game console. 

Personal expenditures also were commonly cited by executives:  

• Grocery receipts, 
• Cigarettes, 
• Replacement cost for a suit the employee lost on his own, 
• Pair of socks, 
• Toilet paper, 
• Hot tub supplies, 
• Golf clubs,  
• Expensive lunch for the employee, without clients, 
• Flowers the employee bought for his wife, 
• Expenses for an employee’s son's birthday party, and 
• Wedding anniversary dinner.  

"While these examples may seem incredible and in some cases humorous, they highlight a serious matter which can negatively impact a company's bottom line," said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. "Employees who are unsure if an item can be expensed should not include it on a report and hope it gets approved. Companies can help the process by writing clear policies, making them easy to find and keeping workers informed of any changes."   

Rebecca Moore
editors@plansponsor.com