The MP expenses scandal has caused outrage and disbelief through the nation, with extravagant claims including refurbishing second homes, purchasing cinema systems and maintenance of moats coming to light.  

The battle to obtain these expense details by freedom for Information campaigners has demonstrated to what level expense claims can be taken to, if appropriate checks are not made; although these are somewhat extreme in comparison to most organisation expenses.  

It does still raise the question of how visible expense claims are in your organisation and what controls and measures are in place for the expense allowances of your employees.  

As seen in the MP scandal, not every employee will make fraudulent claims or take maximum advantage of expense allowances, but by introducing or refining your expense management systems and procedures will achieve control and transparency before you have a scandal on your hands.