Financial Systems Modernization a Priority for DHS Chief Financial Officer Nominee

Jeff Rezmovic, President Joe Biden’s nominee to serve as the Department of Homeland Security’s chief financial officer, said he intends to use part of the agency’s annual funding for financial systems modernization.

Speaking before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Rezmovic shared that if he is confirmed for the CFO position, he would ensure that the department uses modern and integrated financial systems for all its spending. He said that the DHS needs modernized systems and effective financial controls to prevent errors and flawed or inconsistent information.

Rezmovic said he would work with DHS Chief Information Officer Eric Hysen to modernize the department’s financial systems, Federal News Network reported Thursday.

The nominee’s comments come after the Government Accountability Office stated in its 2023 High-Risk List report that the DHS still has not addressed financial management challenges since it was added in 2011. According to GAO, the department only met two out of eight expected outcomes for financial management in February while meeting five out of six expected outcomes for IT management.

An example of the DHS meeting financial modernization requirements was realized in 2021 when the U.S. Coast Guard transitioned into the Financial System Modernization Solution.