Misplaced Trust - Dishonest Accountant?
I am in business with a number of guys. Earlier this year while going through bank records I found a number of odd tranactions. On questioning all parties it became apparent who was responcible. Eventually after a number of days waiting for an answer I got one. Unfortunetly it proved to be incorrect. I subsequently got two more answers which I proved incorrect. Since then all my mails have been ignored by this person. This leaves me with very little options. Should I go legal with this situation? Should I wait to see if the person involved cooperates? If so how long should I wait? As this guy works as a book keeper and legal slur would have determental effect of his career but I have very little options. PLEASE NOTE: I can only 90% say that he has stolen money as I do not have all the facts but personally I am convinced Can you suggest a course of action that I may not have concidered Having read the first few answer I need to add the following. We have no books as that was his job. We obviously we have to have them done up for us. We we under the inpression that he was qualified but isn't The ACCA cant help us here. He is also a shareholder in the company
Other - Business & Finance - 8 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Confront him personally and I say you have a right to be suspicous. I say you should wait to see if he involved other people and then take legal action.
Answer 2 :
Hi, Does your business have an audit? If so then they should pick up on these suspect transactions. If not then consider engaging an independent accountant to go over the books for you. This will cost some money so get some quotes. This way you will be able to establish exactly what the position is before wading in with any legal action. If the accoutnant route is too expensive then simply ask your book-keeper to explain what these transactions are. If there is a problem, then also consider the systems and controls of your business, especially supervision, reporting etc to prevent something like this happening again. All the best.
Answer 3 :
First thing I would do if at all possible is to remove his access from the account. Make sure you have documentation of the transactions and his explanations if possible. You also should consult with your other partners and keep them at least informed of any actions that you are planning to take. I think you should consult a lawyer. You can probably make a civil case, even if a criminal charge would not stick.
Answer 4 :
Get another accountant to have a look at the transactions, and if there is indeed an oddity contact the ACCA, thye will be able to advise you what to do next. After reading the extras you put in, I would see a solicitor and contact the police. Looks like you've been screwed over big style.
Answer 5 :
Take all evidence to a solicitor and see what he suggests.Or get a message to this guy telling him what you know and if he doesnt respond within so many days tell him you will seek legal action.But a solicitor will be able to get any files that this person is holding and go through everything.Otherwise send the big hairy guys round and knock his block off.
Answer 6 :
I don't know the amounts involved but go to a good firm of Forensic Accountants they know exactly what they are doing and what to look for. When they have made their report decide what action you want to take. You can go to the police or take him through the small claims court for the return of any money he may have taken. You do need to be very careful don't contact him again leave it to the professionals. I do feel he should be stopped you may not be the only firm that this happened to. I wish you every success it is very hard to be betrayed by a so called professional.
Answer 7 :
Hire a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner). A CFE is specially trained in finding financial misdeeds in a short amount of time. You'll be amazed at what they'll find!
Answer 8 :
lol thats a good question! i think you need to think about it more though before you ask other people
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