Internal Controls: How to protect your client from an employee who may steal from them

Well, I received an email recently from Intuit stating that I needed to pass some ongoing CPE courses to continue my Advanced Certification status and add two years to my expiration date.  I have to say that I am always a believer in ongoing education.  These courses were no exception. It was an 8 hour course that could be taken in pieces (which I did, one per day).  The most interesting one to me was the one on how to protect your clients and their data file, which was titled "Internal Controls".   Not only did this class provide information on ways that you can protect your client from an employee who may steal from them, but it also provided data regarding the size and types of companies that are more prone to this type of behavior.  It was amazing to me that the smaller companies are the more likely types of businesses to be have the most money or time stolen by an employee. 

I have a client who had this happen to them.  Some of the scenarios that were covered in the class would have helped my client, if he knew me before this happened.  The checks and balances were not in place.  

The class also emphasized that "time" is one of the most frequent ways an employee steals from an employer.  This can be from an employee going to Dunkin Donuts while he is on the clock or an employee texting while on the job.  The latter example I have experienced first hand from an employee that I had working on my staff.  Regardless, both examples are out right stealing from the employer.  

The main theme throughout this class is to keep your honest employee honest.  Have the checks and balances in place so the opportunity to steal is less. Being upfront with your employees and let them know they are being monitored is one of the best ways to protect yourself from this type of stealing.

 Lynda

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