There are a couple of different ways to get the audit done. Obviously you can go out and pay someone to do it, but that could cost you--without knowing the volume of transactions that need to be looked at and being in a similar situation, I wouldn't want to try to guess, but audits by accounting firms generally aren't to be had by the $100s of dollars; it's more like $1,000s. Is there another school in your area that you have any kind of relationship with where you can trade services? You'll volunteer to audit for them if they audit for you? Do you know if you have any parents who are accountants or auditors? You could appeal to them to volunteer their time or their firm's. Is there a college around you with an accounting program? You could talk to the professor there about donating his/her time. You can try to approach an accounting firm about donating an audit, but generally they don't do that. Just a few ideas for you to pursue.
As an aside, have you tried going back to your bank and appealing that $500? If you haven't, and you had all that research done pretty recently, I think it's worth a meeting with your local branch manager to explain what is going on and plead for mercy. You should be able to get some relief. And if you can't, you might want to look at a new bank.
Thanks for the input. I guess I didn't give enough information to you all but we actually contacted the bank, received copies of statements and cancelled checks (they charged us over $500 for 5 months worths of info!!). We went through the whole account check by check. We know exactly how much is missing and the person admitted that the CASH deposits are not showing up on the statements Hummm??? but they are in her computer as happening. (I should try that when the mortgage is due!) I guess yesterday I was feeling a bit uneasy and embarrassed for her, but today I'm angry especially after recv'g an email from this person who is upset at the 'secret trial' (her words) she was given. I told her to turn everything over because while an audit is taking place, one thing we do know for sure is it's poor recordkeeping on her part. My boss is a fraud expert and says this is a classic case. Let's hope we get the money back and I'm concerned she will not turn over the information. If that's the case, we will go to the DA. Thanks for listening out there.... If anyone else has been in this situation, don't hesitate to give advice. The last article on fraud in the PTO Today has really helped us to put some new ideas in place. (I just found out about the insurance thing after the fact. It sounds like a good idea!)
The bank statements are wrong?? Highly unlikely. Where's your treasurer in all this? I'm with the audit approach, and soon. Just say it's the beginning of the school year, you have got to finalize where you are with the money so you don't promise to do things you can't afford to do, and do the audit.
And if there is a problem--do you have insurance to cover you in this type of situation? That $100 or so annual premium is looking like a mighty good deal when you're looking at a $5k loss.
I am far from an expert on this matter but for me thisis when the "valkin(sp)" kicks in.
What is stopping you from marching into the bank and getting another statement, talking to an account manager about this issue and seing if there is a way they can let you know via e-mail or phone any activity on the account by this person.
It also sounds like it's time for an audit--hint hint---it may help if this is something the bank can do for you.
Now the hard part, in the world of business it's hard to fire someone without documentation etc. And you are right about the family turning this on you, which is just as rotten. It's just like trying to find a way to tell Timmy not to come over anymore after you caught him doing something terribly wrong.
Is there ANYTHIng in your by-laws?.....nothing in mine too.
I do think (now that I have thought about it) an audit would be at your advantage....see if you can have the Principal make it their idea because he/she has heard rumors!!! HA!! HEY! It could work.....sorry my husband has been watching old sitcoms ALL DAY!!! You just start thinking that way after a while [img]smile.gif[/img]
One of our board members offered to handle a long-standing, major fundraiser for the last 6 mos. We recently noticed the account is short $5,000+. The board member is playing dumb, said the bank statements are wrong and offered to help research the problem (stalling). We are not yet accusing (because we really can't believe someone would take our children's money!) but how do we get all information re: fundraiser from this person. Should they be thrown off the board? This family is now chairing a new fundraising idea and now looks like the savior of the school. The rest of the board and principal has kept this matter confidential, but we worry this board member will start campaigning in their hour of glory that we're causing trouble. I've heard that getting cash back is difficult. How do we get our money back and move on? If anyone has had any experience in this matter please help.
