| As a bookkeeper you hold a position of trust. | | | | Do not enter into any agreements that place you in a |
| However how do you protect yourself from being | | | | position where you are personally responsible for |
| accused and perhaps being sued? First and foremost | | | | meeting any of the agreement's obligations, such as |
| do not accept the responsibility of signature rights on | | | | credit card or vendor contracts. |
| checks of any type. If you cannot sign checks, then | | | | Document any and all company requests for any task |
| you cannot be held responsible for fraudulent use of | | | | that might put you at risk, and if you determine any |
| funds through the checking or savings accounts. | | | | request is illegal or unethical, then refuse to go forward |
| If your job includes the handling of cash, then ask for a | | | | at all costs. |
| receipt of the cash put into your trust. The receipt | | | | Document in writing any recommendations or |
| should document the date the cash was given to you, | | | | suggestions you make to remedy problems to be |
| the person who gave it to you and the amount that | | | | fixed. |
| was given to you and the directive as to what was to | | | | Do not share any company information with any one. |
| be done with the cash. This receipt should be signed | | | | Not your spouse, your friend, a co-worker or even a |
| by both parties, the giver and the receiver. | | | | trusted family member of the company's owner. If |
| Do not sign any documents especially any tax returns | | | | asked, then politely explain that they will have to ask |
| including payroll tax returns. This is the sole | | | | the owner for the information needed. |
| responsibility of the owner or a corporate officer. By | | | | Shred all financial documents that are being discarded. |
| signing these returns you leave yourself open to the | | | | These few simple steps will protect the company, |
| jeopardy of unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. | | | | your boss and ultimately, yourself. |