Property Management Procurement and Purchasing Controls Quarterly Audit Checklist
This property management procurement and purchasing controls quarterly audit checklist provides a structured framework for evaluating the purchasing controls that protect property owners from unauthorized expenditures, inflated costs, and fraud. Property management fraud most commonly occurs in the procurement function - unauthorized purchases, kickbacks from vendors, and splitting invoices to avoid authorization thresholds. Systematic quarterly audits of purchasing activity, vendor relationship
- Industry: Property Management
- Frequency: Quarterly
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Role: Regional Manager / Asset Manager / Accounting Manager
- Total Items: 28
- Compliance: GAAP Internal Controls for Accounts Payable, COSO Internal Control Framework, IRS Related Party Transaction Rules, State Property Manager Fiduciary Duty Standards, AICPA Fraud Prevention Standards
Purchase Authorization Controls
Verify all purchases are properly authorized.
- Purchase orders issued for all non-emergency purchases before work or delivery?
- All purchases above management agreement threshold obtained owner approval before commitment?
- No invoices split to avoid authorization threshold (e.g., two $499 invoices for $998 project)?
- All emergency purchases (below threshold) documented with emergency justification?
- Multi-level approval chain followed for purchases above threshold?
Competitive Bidding Compliance
Verify competitive bidding requirements are followed.
- Three competitive bids obtained for all capital projects above policy threshold?
- All bids documented in writing and retained in project file?
- Bid selection documented with reason (lowest price, best value, or emergency justification for single source)?
- Competitive bidding conducted on major recurring contracts annually (not auto-renewing with same vendor)?
- Any related-party transactions (vendor with ownership ties to management) disclosed to owner?
Invoice Processing and Verification
Review invoice review and payment processes.
- Invoices reviewed against purchase orders and confirmed work received before payment?
- No payments made without proper vendor invoice on file?
- Invoice duplicate check performed before payment processing?
- Vendor payment information (bank account changes) verified through independent contact before processing?
- Payments posted to correct GL accounts and reviewed by accounting monthly?
Vendor Management and Pricing
Review vendor pricing and relationship controls.
- Material and supply costs benchmarked against market prices periodically?
- Approved/preferred vendor list current and purchasing from approved vendors?
- New vendor approval process followed (insurance, license, background check)?
- No excessive vendor concentration (single vendor receiving disproportionate share of spend)?
- Annual conflict of interest check for employee relationships with vendors?
Documentation and Owner Reporting
Maintain procurement records and owner transparency.
- Monthly owner statement reconciled and distributed to owners on time?
- All purchases above $1,000 explained in owner statement or monthly narrative?
- Written procurement policy documented and communicated to all staff with purchasing authority?
- Annual vendor payment audit conducted comparing payments to approved contracts?
- Quarterly procurement audit filed with accounting records?
- Owner monthly financial reporting format meeting owner preferences and management agreement requirements?
- Whistleblower or ethics reporting mechanism available for staff to report procurement irregularities?
- Annual fraud risk assessment completed for procurement function?
Related Property Management Checklists
- Apartment Property Year-End Operations Comprehensive Review Checklist
- Apartment Applicant Screening Policy Compliance Annual Audit Checklist
- Apartment Eviction Prevention and Diversion Program Quarterly Audit Checklist
- Property Management Company Operations Standards Annual Audit Checklist
- Apartment Slip and Fall Prevention and Premises Liability Annual Audit Checklist
- Apartment Habitability and Warranty of Habitability Compliance Inspection Checklist
- Apartment Construction Defect and Builder Warranty Claims Management Checklist
- Apartment Lease Portfolio Audit and Administration Annual Review Checklist
Related Administrative Compliance Checklists
- Property Management Vendor and Contractor Quarterly Performance Review Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Property Fair Housing Compliance Self-Audit Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Lease Renewal Process Compliance Audit Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Rent Collection and Delinquency Management Monthly Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Security Deposit Disposition Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Property Insurance Coverage Annual Compliance Review Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Property ADA Accessibility Compliance Self-Audit Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Property Annual Budget and Capital Planning Review Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Resident Communications and Required Notices Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Apartment Utility Management and Billing Quarterly Audit Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Property Management Procurement and Purchasing Controls Quarterly Audit Checklist?
This property management procurement and purchasing controls quarterly audit checklist helps property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for regional manager / asset manager / accounting manager professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.
Ensures compliance with GAAP Internal Controls for Accounts Payable, COSO Internal Control Framework, IRS Related Party Transaction Rules, State Property Manager Fiduciary Duty Standards, AICPA Fraud Prevention Standards, Owner Management Agreement Authorization Requirements, UK Bribery Act 2010 (Anti-Corruption Compliance), Australia ASIC Corporations Act - Director Duties. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Property Management Procurement and Purchasing Controls Quarterly Audit Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: Purchase Authorization Controls, Competitive Bidding Compliance, Invoice Processing and Verification, Vendor Management and Pricing, Documentation and Owner Reporting. It is designed for property management operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Who should use this Property Management Procurement and Purchasing Controls Quarterly Audit Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Regional Manager / Asset Manager / Accounting Manager professionals in the property management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.