Trusted Bookkeeper Accused of Theft
What Bookkeepers should never have access to!!!
I’ll be honest with you. I read the attached article, and it really burns me. Folks, bookkeepers should NEVER have the ability to deposit money into clients’ bank accounts or be authorized to pay bills from the bank accounts.
A bookkeeper can reconcile the sales receipts to cash received and prepare a deposit, but a good bookkeeper will NEVER make the deposit on behalf of the owners, even if they trust that person. Always keep clear lines of responsibility with cash. The risks are too great. The temptation to steal can become too great for some people.
Folks, when you are looking for a bookkeeper, make sure they know enough to say, “No, that is not something I can do for you.” The only access to bank accounts I need is the access needed to establish a bank feed directly into the accounting system so I can reconcile the account. I don’t need anything else. Make sure your bookkeeper, or prospective bookkeeper, knows the proper professional limits.
https://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2017/52/bn-sheepshead-bay-market-bookkeeper-theft-2017-12-29.html