b'Ohio Auditor of State 2021 Annual ReportIdentifying Inefficiencies in the States Unemployment SystemAs the COVID-19 pandemic spread and unemployment claims climbed higher and higher, major issues emerged in Ohios unemployment system and its ability to serve large numbers of Ohioans. Fraud and customer service increasingly became areas deserving of additional attention. These systematic failures have been highlighted as demand increased as a result of the pandemic. Auditor Faber completed a statewide tour listening to Ohioans dealing with delayed payments, long customer service wait times, and their identities being stolen for fraudulent unemployment claims. Additionally, the State Single Audit flagged the Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) for a qualified opinion after a lack of confidence in the accuracy of the financial statements. Auditor Faber initiated an audit of the public interest into the excessive fraudulent claims that plagued the unemployment system. Additionally, the Legislature asked the Auditors office to do a performance audit of the JFS unemployment compensation system and its processes in 18 areas of interest. These audits are ongoing and are expected to result in recommendations later this year. EfficientlEffectivelTransparent7'