Good Internal Control Procedures Reduce Employee Theft

There is always the possibility that employees will be tempted to steal but good internal control procedures can reduce theft.

Employees can be tempted to steal for many reasons. Therefore employers must implement measures that deter the staff from misappropriating financial resources or stealing physical items. First, business owners must seek to ascertain why employees may steal, Organizations must also understand what internal control is. Only then will managers be able to delve further into implementing the necessary internal control practices to ensure that operations run efficiently and pilfery can be reduced.

Why Businesses Suffer From Employee Theft

While no employer wishes to know that any member of staff is stealing, there is always the possibility that it could happen. Theft can occur in any organization, both private and governmental. Some businesses have poor management and monitoring and this presents an easy opportunity for theft to occur. There are also cases where an employee may be in financial need and he resorts to stealing or embezzlement. Some staff members may be greedy and an example is the employee who would say "the business makes so much money and the boss pays me so little."

What is Internal Control

According to Cornell University's Professor Emeritus A. Neal Geller in "Internal Control: A Fraud-Prevention Handbook for Hotel and Restaurant Managers" (School of Hotel Administration, 1991), internal control is "the aspect of management that deals with prevention of fraud and embezzlement". The Office of the President of the University of California further shares in their publication "Understanding Internal Controls" that this concept speaks to the "effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations." Internal control is not implemented to make organizations top-heavy with red tape and long procedures. Instead, these procedures can aid in ensuring the stability of the business.

Implementing Simple Internal Control Measures

How can any business implement internal control? As stated by the University of California, effectiveness and efficiency are essential factors in internal control in the management of any operation.

• Inventory management: Large organizations will have an inventory clerk assigned to the requisition and/or the distribution of items. In smaller organizations, inventory management may be added to the job description of one of the workers. As the theft of any item is a loss to any company, managers must implement inventory procedures that ensure the smooth requisition and dissemination of items while ensuring that items are accounted for.
• Petty cash management: Petty cash can be tempting to staff. While Geller recommends that petty cash use should be minimized, he encourages that managers "separate (the) imprest fund" from other cash and the responsibility be placed to an employee who is not in accounting or record-keeping. He also strongly advocates that there should be a "voucher procedure for disbursements."
• Separation of accounts payable and receivable: Avoid embezzlement and fraud by one or more employees by separating the accounts payable and receivable duties. Of course this is also easier in large organizations. In small businesses where there may only be one employee handling the accounting, it may be impossible to segregate duties. Therefore, business owners must monitor the accounting records. If the owner is not knowledgeable in accounting procedures, an independent firm should be engaged to periodically ensure that there is no embezzlement or fraud.

Employers must ensure that internal control is resonant in any organization. Employees may steal for different reasons but good internal control measures should reduce theft. Business owners can implement inventory management systems, petty cash management and the separation of accounting duties to reduce the likelihood of employee theft.

My Journey in the Working World

When I look at my resume, I smile because of the varied experience I have been able to attain since my first on-the-job experience in 1992. I was a trainee for one month at a utility department. I remember the great comraderie there but not being sure if I wanted to really work in a place like that. Some of the same staff are there today working with the same momemtum I met them with almost 20 years ago. 

My next experience came for the two-week job training program and I'm guessing I was an over-achiever because it bored me to death. In 1993, there was high school graduation and I found a nice job in an accounting firm. There was no QuickBooks to use - just manual work. I got another offer at a bank and they were enticing me with a bigger salary and benefits so I ran.

I worked in the bank for two years and then decided, 'it's time to go to college!' I saw people who were in the bank for over 10 years and watched newcomers take higher positions. I decided that was not for me and I headed to UVI! My first semester at UVI was the longest stint that I have been unemployed.

As the second semester started, I found myself a job on campus. I kept that job until I graduated. I also had another parttime job in a video store during my senior year because I do love a good and legal hustle. After graduating, I got what was supposed to be my dream job at an advertising firm.

However, I've always been the child who seeks opportunity. I saw an application for a scholarship to go to Cornell University. I applied and was shortlisted. I travelled to Jamaica and then got a crazy phone call that I won the scholarship. Resignation letter, packed bags and moving out of my appartment were on the top of my list.

I headed to Ithaca and spent a year at Cornell's Hotel School. Of course as I set foot in Ithaca, I started looking for a job. Afterall, studying is never enough for me. I got a great job on campus and I learned a lot while I was there. During the summer, I decided that I would stay in Ithaca and take on the massive challenge of three parttime jobs and regular gym attendance.

That was a glorious time until I practically burned myself out going back and forth to the three jobs. I survived it all though and that was a piece of cake compared to coming back to the BVI's job market. I actually sought for a position in the USVI but was unlucky. I travelled to the BVI and sent out some applications and got called for interviews.

I actually refused a position and took another at a supermarket. I realized that I hated being a personal assistant. I can do it well but I hate it. So by the fourth month, a Govt. entity called me and I sailed away. Unfortunately, that job description was not the actual job and I found myself stuck, depressed and hating going to work. After my second year, I resigned because I thought that it was unfair that my contributions were not up to par in my mind.

I sought another job after resigning and was lucky to get a job in a law firm. This worked well for six years. Law is not my thing at all. It's like being a personal assistant for me, I can do it but it's not my thing. Plus for upward mobility, there was only so much that I could do.

So today, I work for another Government entity and while things change, they still remain the same in most cases. I do what I can and I try to work with everyone. I am stubborn at times but I try my best to be the best 'human being' that I can be.

You may say that I have had a lot of jobs but I say the experience is important and pertinent to my entire life.  Every job gave me an insight into something new and afforded me the opportunity to meet new people.

I have decided that no one can take my shine and I refuse to hide my talents.

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Two Chores I don't Like

There are some chores that I don't like. I don't like washing a car and I don't like ironing. However, I'll do the latter but I'll pay someone to wash the car. It is utmost laziness on my part and I accept that. I'll iron every piece of clothing in the house in one night but the car will be left by the car wash for them to handle that.

I know, you may say that I'm all about saving so why would I pay someone to wash my car. Well, I don't have a car anymore but when I get another one, it either has to self-clean itself or it's getting dropped off. I'm sure there might still be some young person in the neighborhood who won't mind making a quick ten bucks!

As for the ironing, I'll continue doing that even though it's so hot these days. I've even considered doing an ironing service but I am afraid to do so because people might not pay on time. That would upset me because it's a chore I dislike and the electric bills have gone so high - I would be more than upset!

I think I'll stick to writing!

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Procrastination & Me

Procrastination is a killer. I am guilty of leaving things on the back burner for too long and I am sure many others are. However, I leave personal things on the back burner but try not to do that with work. Event planning and even regular mundane tasks have to be organized.

Basically, I can't pay my bills unless I deposit funds in the bank account. If I lag on making the deposit then I really can't make any payments.

Sometimes there are tasks that I hate to do - like ironing. However, I run into that head-first and get it done one time. Plus I'm too cheap to iron one piece of clothing every day - fuel costs are way too high on the electric bill in the BVI.

Sometimes I don't feel like cooking and I procrastinate on it but I force myself and do it because if I really want to save money, I have to make hard decisions.

What I find that I've been procrastinating on is writing my articles for the site I write for. This is for more reasons than simple procrastination. I aim to write at least one before I return to work on Tuesday. I am going to take this Monday holiday, Whit Monday, and do one article along with all my ironing. I'll stay home and enjoy Matlock and other sitcoms, dramas and talk shows! I will not procrastinate and miss those for sure but I'll keep busy by doing my chores at the same time.

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Caribbean Literature: Selected Poems by Ian McDonald

Selected Poems by Ian McDonald takes the reader through McDonald's journey as a poet from the 1950s to present and shares vividly Caribbean life.

Selected Poems by Ian McDonald is a short anthology of the poet's work from the 1950s to present day. Published in 2008 by Macmillan Publishers Limited, McDonald's poems offer an intimate view of Caribbean life as he expounds on love, culture, nature, struggle and development. While the pieces range in length from 8 lines to 3 pages, each poem is unique and offers a fresh view of life from the poet's perspective.

Ian McDonald - An Experienced Caribbean Writer, Playwright & Tennis Champ

Ian McDonald was born in Trinidad in 1933 but has lived in Guyana since 1955. He has published several collections of poetry including Mercy Ward (Peterloo Poets, 1988), Essequibo (Peterloo Poets & Story Line Press, 1992) and Jaffo the Calypsonian (Peepal Tree Press, 1994). This poet is not a stranger in literary circles as he has written novels including The Humming-Bird Tree (1969) and plays such as "The Tramping Man." According to publishers, Peepal Tree Press, The Humming Bird Tree "has been in almost continuous print ever since, and more recently made into a BBC film." McDonald was also an accomplished tennis player who competed in the Davis Cup and played at Wimbledon. In addition, according to the author's page on Peepal Tree Press, McDonald was recently awarded "a richly deserved Honorary PhD by the University of the West Indies."

McDonalds' Selected Poems Covers Over Five Decades of Poetry

It is quite a feat for any writer to share a collection that spans over fifty years of literature. In August 2008 at Carifesta X in Guyana, McDonald was able to launch Selected Poems. While the poems in Selected Poems all hold the common creative value, as anyone reads through the pieces, they will note the change in tone as the writer journeys through the decades. The book is divided into three eras: the "1950s to 1960s", the "Early to Mid-1980s" and the "Late 1980s and After."

• Poems in "1950s and 1960s": Twenty-eight varied poems cover this era. Full of colorful references and images of nature, these poems not only express the basic literary devices of metaphors and imagery but offer short tales on interesting characters. "Indian Love Statement" reads "Tassim loves her like an idiot, makes himself a saga boy." In the poem "Jaffo the Calypsonian", McDonald writes "Jaffo was a great Calypsonian, fire ate up his soul to sing and play calypso iron music" with a latter line written "But in the rumshop he was best, drinking the heavy sweet molasses rum he was better than any calypso man."
• "Early to Mid-1980s" Poems: McDonald chose to share thirty poems from this time period. These pieces have the same charismatic flavor and vivid consistency as the earlier poems. The poems that will catch the reader's attention are those with references to the "Mercy Ward" for which one of the writer's collections was similarly named. Edward Baugh writes of "Mercy Ward" in the introduction of Selected Poems, "the poems came out of the poet's observation of the patients in a Georgetown (Guyana) hospital "for the poorest of the poor"." In "The Place They Have to Go", the opening lines read "When someone checks into Mercy Ward/ One of the particulars you have to get/ Is what provision has been made/ For a burial cost nothing, net." While "Any Poem" does not allude to the "Mercy Ward", it is a poem that can inspire any poet to write because McDonald begins "You can make a poem about anything."
• "Late 1980s and After" in Selected Poems: The final period of this collection holds thirty-seven poems that encompass more themes in the poems over the works shared in the two earlier eras. The many characters still roam this era such as those written in "Canticle of the Main Street Madam", "MacArthur's Life" and "Mr. Perfection." The introspective nature of the writing is where the work in the late 1980s stands out. Example of poems where the writer becomes the main character sharing deep thoughts are "Silence", "Bread and Fish Hooks" and "Archive".

 As McDonald wrote in "Any Poem", poems can be written about life, death, beauty, great men and truth. The collection titled Selected Poems truly encompasses the sentiments of these words. The writer's anthology covers his work for over fifty years and offers the reader a personal glimpse through this poet's journey as a writer in the Caribbean.

Rolling with the Punches - Career Choices and Extracurricular Activities

I've looked at all the things I wanted to be and I smile. When I was five, I wanted to be a secretary. I still can't fathom why I would want to do that.

Of course I was encouraged to be a doctor, a lawyer and such professions. I knew that was never what I wanted. By High School, I decided that I wanted to be an accountant. I did excellent in my accounting and business classes  and I followed through taking part time classes at the local community college, now named HLSCC while working full time as a bank teller.

I then transferred to UVI full time. After one semester at UVI, I changed my major. I found the accounting classes tedious and just overwhelming. I thought about what I wanted for my life and decided that I wanted a job with no bounds and that would keep me in and out of the office.

Growing up I watched reruns of Bewitched: The Complete First Season and the hot show at the time, Who's the Boss? - The Complete First Season. Darren and Angela, two heading roles, were both in advertising. I remember how they would work hard to pitch campaigns to win and wow clients. I decided that was the life I wanted.

I followed through and completed my four-year program. On graduation, I applied for a job at the main advertising firm in the USVI and was successful. I then realized the harsh realities of the work world. In some cases, you don't always use the academic information you learn, and you sometimes get bored too quickly.

I have never truly had a job that can occupy and challenge me. I have had jobs where I stay occupied but not challenged or truly interested. I work hard and get the job done because I want to do a good job.

I've always had to have extra-curricular activities to keep my brain running since finishing college. I was blessed to attend Cornell University after my BA for a year, and funnily was never able to use that knowledge on a job to help my own country move forward.

I then decided that I would roll with the punches on whichever job and see what positive I can contribute to making the organization more efficient. Some of my suggestions are taken but there are days when I feel stifled. These are the reasons why I have to have a blog and I need to write poetry. I also have to seek other means to make myself happy such as writing articles for online sites.

Some people need a big salary or position to feel that they are successful. For me, it's about the contribution that I can make and the positive change that I can push. Of course, monetary compensation is needed but I just want to live comfortable. I want to make a mark that would take my country to the next level.

I love my children, I want to have a small farm and just have a simple life. I enjoy TV and I love fashion shows so I'm always thinking on what I can do next.

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What to Consider When Joining a Club, Group or Organization

People can benefit from joining groups or clubs but the organization's goals and activities must be in line with personal time, budget and goals.

Joining a group, club or organization is good for networking and meeting new people. The opportunity to work with a team is also another advantage of joining an organization. While these factors are important, anyone wanting to join a club should learn as much information as possible about the organization. Then he or she should consider if the activities are in line with personal interests and the costs of joining and being a member. Another important factor to consider is the time that the club involvement will take up.

Why People Join Organizations

People join clubs for camaraderie, to be recognized, opportunities for growth and development, a sense of belonging and for adventures and new experiences. Despite the personal reason for joining a group or club, one must consider what the club offers and also what one can offer to the organization.

Do the Activities of the Group or Club Match Personal Interests

When joining a group or a club for the first time, it is important to know the organization's mission and vision. Do these match personal interests? A poet will seek to join a poetry group, a mechanic or car enthusiast will seek to join an automobile or racing club and an instrumentalist may seek out a band or orchestra. Someone who may want to learn something new can also join a group that focuses on activities that are outside of personal scope. For persons who enjoy volunteering, groups like the Red Cross or church organizations are best.

How Much Personal Time Will the Group or Club Take Up

Will joining the club or group take up too much personal time? Joining an organization should not be like a second job. As a group consists or more than two persons, then work should be equally shared by all members. This is not always the case and any person seeking to join a club or group needs to be mindful that the workload can become heavy if all members do not work together as a team. Book clubs, for example, require members to read books and then meet to discuss the book. New members must be mindful that organizations require commitment and time.

What Does Being a Member of the Club or Group Cost

Some groups and clubs have annual fees, meeting dues and other costs. There are also organizations that have no costs but this all depends on the activities. An example is joining a church choir. There may not be annual or meeting dues but there may be costs for choir robes.

Groups and Clubs Provide Great Networking Opportunities

Anyone who joins a group should consider the membership as a networking opportunity. Even if the club members are familiar persons, there will always be opportunities to network at functions or while traveling for the organization. Through networking, new opportunities can evolve professionally and personally.

Form a New Group or Club

Persons who have not found a club in their immediate area that attracts their interests can form a new group or club. Two or more persons with common interests can form a group, hold meetings and recruit more members. The members would need to set rules, vision and mission statements as well as the objectives of the organization.

Joining a group or a club gives people a sense of belonging and a way to work towards one common goal. Any organization will have its purpose and costs, and may require a lot of personal time. Anyone wanting to join a group should think carefully to ensure that the organization is a right fit in their life.