NEAT > For Parents > At School > Family & Community Involvement > Parent-School Connections	Print View

Several reporters have called our offices lately with questions about yet another flurry of embezzlement cases involving groups across the country. The problem has been and remains distressingly prevalent.

The vast majority of embezzlers are not sophisticated criminals. They act because it's so easy to get the funds and likely that they won't be detected. The good news is that just taking two of the simplest steps can go a long way toward preventing loss at your school.

1. Assign someone other than your treasurer to receive, open, and do a quick review of your monthly bank statement each month. You wouldn't believe how many of the cases in the news involve a treasurer writing checks to herself.
   
   
2. Make it a rule that the books will be audited, even just by a committee of volunteers-no CPA necessary-each year. (Note: If your group carries bond insurance, you typically are required by the policy to conduct an annual audit of the books by an accountant or audit committee.)

Putting good systems in place does not mean that you can't or don't trust your treasurer, who's likely also your friend. Your leaders have got to get past this thinking. Good controls are simply a demonstration of good leadership.

 More Information