Chortek and Gottschalk - How can my company avoid being a victim of employee theft?

"Employee theft is a major and growing threat that may take your business down before any recession ever will. The environment is ripe. With the economoy continuing to slide, the temptation for ordinary people to steal to make ends meet is becoming greater and greater every day. You want to avoid being viewed as an easy target. To do so, you need to investigate things that don't make sense to you. Let everyone know you're watching and will get to the bottom of things. Adhere to proper segregation of accounting duties, enforced mandatory vacations and a no-exception adherence to company policies (especially in travel and entertainment).
Consistent and ongoing attention to detail will enable you to help prevent theft or embezzlement from your company. In summary, trust but verify."

- David Friedman, CPA and partner, and Paul Rodrigues, CPA and principal, Chortek & Gottschalk, LLP in Milwaukee
BizTimes Milwaukee, April 3-16, 2009