Aim
You are able to account fully for the financial resources with which you have been entrusted.
See also 'Controls' section, which aims to avoid errors, waste, misuse, fraud and theft of these resources
Key questions before leaving head office
What to do from the outset
Special risks - cash
In the early stages of an emergency many team members will be making payments using cash advances. Some of these payments will be very large. There are high risks involved:
As soon as possible:
Special risks - advances
The term "advance" is used for a number of different types of payment:
All advances must be recorded. Without records it rapidly becomes very difficult to keep track of advances leading to loss of money and friction between the accountant and team members. See also common problems with advances.
Developing systems
Survival systems are suited to the early days of an emergency but more developed systems will be needed to improve your ability to manage the finances. Aim to set up your organisation's full accounting system as soon as possible. More
Financial reports and audits
Regular financial reports will be needed by:
Audits may happen at any time. This may be because something has gone wrong or because the law, donors or your organisation requires it.
If you can not sort out the accounts