Notting, Inc., has the following processes related to purchasing: When it is determined that an item should be ordered, the purchasing department prepares a threecopy PO. The first copy is mailed

to the vendor, the second copy is filed by PO number in the purchasing department, and the third copy is forwarded to inventory control. Inventory control updates the inventory ledger with the quantities that were ordered and files the PO copy by date.

When ordered items arrive at the receiving dock, the packing slip is inspected and a twocopy receiving report is prepared. The first copy is forwarded to the purchasing department, where it is filed with the PO. The second copy is filed in the receiving department by date. The packing slip is forwarded to the accounts payable department.

Vendors mail invoices directly to the accounts payable department. The accounts payable depart- ment reviews the invoice and related packing slip, prepares a cash disbursement voucher, updates the accounts payable ledger, and files the invoice by date. The cash disbursement voucher is forwarded to the cash disbursements department. The packing slip is returned to the receiving department. The cash disbursements department prepares a twocopy check, mails the first copy to the vendor, and forwards the second copy to the general ledgerdepartment. The cash disbursement voucher is forwarded to the accounts payable department where it is filed with the invoice.

The general ledger department updates the general ledger accounts, using the second copy of the check, and then forwards the check copy to cash disbursements to be filed by check number.

Identify any weaknesses in internal controls within the purchase processes and indicate the improvements you would suggest.