How to Keep Accounting Records Secure

Logo creation, blog version updating, and technical writing are three projects I’ve outsourced with great results. But one internal job that I’d like to farm out, but cannot due to my own paranoia, is my accounting.

I have a feeling that most solo marketers keep their accounting records in-house. However, I’m sure some have outsourced keeping the records to a reliable source.

Others may not have great memories of giving this task away, even in-house. The person who may come to or work in your office and have access to your records may not be as trustworthy as you think.

An article about keeping track of your accounting records while in another person’s hands arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Here are four tips from it that will keep you from becoming a victim of accounting fraud.

You’ve probably heard of and practice these tips; it’s good to have this as a refresher.

From the 2006 Report to the Nation on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners:

1. Lock up all signature equipment.

2. Sign all checks rather than give this task solely to another person.

3. Ensure all statements arrive at your office and that you’re first to open the statement, or have a duplicate statement arrive at your home.

4. Account for every check once it’s returned.

This two-part article will help you choose the right accounting software, a product that statistics say many of us do not purchase.