As honest as the day is long – but have you noticed how the nights are drawing in?
We normally take people on face value. As bookkeepers we have to dig a bit deeper – it’s our job. A member of the ICB has just proved the point, if ever it were in doubt. She handles the books and tax returns for a sole trader. Nice person: Nice family: Nice client. Until the client was arrested that is.
The problem is that the client is suspected to have been bringing into the country certain packages that were not listed on the goods sheet. Our member was very shocked.
Officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) have obviously been very interested in what was being put through the accounts. Our member has fortunately been able to prove that she handled the books properly and that everything going through the bank account was properly accounted for. Her assessment of the client as medium risk was proved to be accurate given what she was able to see from information presented to her and the due diligence that she carried out. We wait to hear what the verdict is for the client.
This current, real-life case is an example of a matter that regularly affects bookkeepers and demonstrates the necessity of exercising vigilance and care. Bookkeepers need to look beyond the ‘nice man’ front and be sure that they have considered the temptations that might be open to the client: Could they be taking cash? Is that definitely a business expense? Have I missed anything?
The Institute is always happy to stand behind a member – but we’d rather not have to do it in Court.