Another headline hit the local news last week regarding a well-known company controller allegedly embezzled a lot of money over the last 8 years. This is shocking to me since there are so many controls that should be in place to prevent employees from stealing. I have a work history in retail and now in business financials for Dynamics GP at Custom Information Services (CIS). I began my career as a store manager for 7 years, and then as a district manager for 8 years with Musicland / Sam Goody. I attended loss prevention seminars annually, completed surprise store visits and went through the voids, refunds, and deposits on every visit. I did not do these audits because I thought someone was stealing. I did them to prevent someone from stealing. Most people are honest unless given the opportunity to steal. The company figured that if you did surprise visits and did things like spot check the daily paperwork and the trash then we would be letting our managers and staff know that if they do steal there is a good chance they will be caught. We also prosecuted thieves. Honestly, I did catch some theft by placing in these types of controls, but I would like to think that I prevented a lot more!
In my second career as a sales person for Dynamics GP, I see several different company environments in the sales process. Such as lax controls and of course the dreaded custom software that for some reason the controller does not want replaced… Implementing a new financial software package like Dynamics GP will allow you to have a certified professional with years of financial experience review your current practices and then help you ensure that your new implementation has the checks and balances in place to deter those honest end users.
Here are some of the tools within Dynamics GP that help with fraud prevention and detection:
Restrict windows, reports, transactions etc., by user or user group
Dynamics GP also has field level security if needed
Purchase order requisitioning with workflow approvals
Accounts payable batch approval with password
Check printing approval with password
Setup alerts that will notify you if a user has voided a check, completed an inventory adjustment, etc.
Institute new vendor setup workflow approvals
Review activity tracking of failed login attempts, failing to open windows or reports. You can also see end users that are deleting records – if they have security access in the first place. Why are they trying to access areas of the system that they should not.
Password enforcement should be in place with a written policy published to all employees. For more information on Dynamics GP and general best practices for security planning visit this PDF. https://www.customis.com/resources/library/securityplanning.pdf
Mekorma MICR also offers the following security features for Dynamics GP Payables and Payroll:
Print MICR Encoding
Print your own MICR line and the rest of the check on secure, easy-to-manage blank check stock.
Secure Approval Workflow
Individualized approvals with audit trail. Enter your password from wherever you are.
Encrypted Signature Stored in SQL
Signature images safely stored with company data in encrypted file in MS-SQL.
Sign Checks based on User ID
Print a different signature on checks based on user who approves the check.
Sign Checks based on Check Amount
Print one, two or no signatures based on the dollar amount you specify. Unsigned checks print to the top for easy removal.
Require Passwords to Print Checks & EFTs
Password protection based on dollar amount you specify.
Require Fully Received Purchase Order
Only print signatures for checks paying invoices for fully received P.O.s.
Create Audit Log of Check Approvers
Automatically record check approver each time checks are printed.
View Check Image in Dynamics GP Inquiry
View or print a visual replica of your checks right from your Dynamics GP inquiry windows.
Print Check Copies to PDF
Automatically create non-negotiable PDF copies of each posted check.
Restrict Invoices to Specific Checkbooks
Assign a checkbook to an invoice at entry time and ensure invoice is paid from that checkbook.
Restrict Vendors to Specific Checkbooks
Assign a checkbook to a vendor and ensure vendor is only paid
Great resources available to assist business owners in preventing and detecting fraud:
If you care to comment on the information above or have any questions please feel free to contact me at 817-640-0016 x 109 or by emailing me at nphillippi@customis.com.
CIS is a Dynamics GP Silver Partner in North Texas
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.