BP 11122023 129pm - Flipbook - Page 171
•
The counters should aid in the implementation of solid counting procedures for future
counters to follow. By following solid procedures with good internal controls, the
current counters help to protect the church from dishonesty by future counters.
Sometimes some procedures seem to add unnecessary time and effort to the process and
we may be tempted to eliminate that step, but consider this: skipping these steps may
allow a future dishonesty to go undetected.
•
The counters should bring concerns to management. Counters should understand that if
there is anything that makes them uncomfortable regarding the security of the parish’s
funds (inside or outside the count room), they have an obligation to bring the issue to
management. Bringing up a concern should not be a stressful situation. It simply means
that you may see a weakness in the process that may need to be addressed, or may simply
mean that the counter’s procedures need to be updated.
•
The Archdiocese of Atlanta also has a Whistleblower Policy (See Employee Policy
Manual section 4.8 FRAUDULENT OR DISHONEST CONDUCT & WHISTLEBLOWER
POLICY). Accounting or audit-related issues at the parish/mission/campus center/school
level (financial mishandling, fraud, misappropriation, etc.) should be reported to the
Archdiocese’s 24 hotline 888-437-0764.
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL ETIQUETTE THAT SHOULD BE FOLLOWED IN THE
COUNT ROOM?
Yes! All information seen and heard as part of your duties as a counter should be handled with
professionalism and confidentiality, even within the count room.
Be courteous to your counting partner and be careful not to put your partner in an awkward
situation. If you must leave the table, don’t leave your partner alone when there is still cash on
the table; wait until the cash is counted and put away, or even better, wait until the entire batch or
Mass is finished. If some counters leave early, be sure that no single individual is left alone to
finish up; at least two counters should remain until the entire process is finished (sealed in a
tamper evident bag and secured) even when a staff member is present (i.e. two counters plus the
staff member).
171
