Controls - Overview

Aim

Financial controls - to reduce the risk of errors, misuse or theft of the resources you have been entrusted with.

Security measures - to provide protection for these resources and, more importantly, for your staff whose lives may be put at risk during a violent robbery.

Financial controls and security are complementary and are dealt with together in the following sections.

Key Questions before leaving head office

• Financial controls - does your organisation have standard policies regarding financial controls and security?
  • How appropriate are they?
  • Do you have the authority to adapt them to suit local circumstances?
• Transferring funds - how will the first transfers be made and what are the risks involved?
• Storing cash - taking a safe from head office might be a good option.
• Bank accounts - how do you open an account or, if one exists, who are the signatories?

Risks will vary. The following list will help you to identify your immediate priorities:

In the early stages of an emergency

Theft or loss of cash are generally the greatest risks. Measures such as getting a safe and checking balances are therefore the priorities.

• Transferring funds - from cash to bank transfers. More
• Carrying cash - consider alternatives and remember risks to staff. More
• Storing cash - you will almost certainly need at least one safe. More
• Bank accounts - a priority. More
• Knowing how to deal with the theft or loss of cash. More

As the programme gets going

There will be a rapid increase in the risk of fraud and mismanagement. You can reduce the risk by:

• Developing simple clear financial procedures and getting them accepted and enforced. More
• Reducing programme exposure to fraud and financial mismanagement. More
• Identifying the document and reality checks you personally should make to deter fraud and mismanagement. More
• Knowing how to deal with fraud if you discover it. More