How to Prevent Audits as a Manager

Managers control every aspect of the business from buying equipment to hiring employees. The last problem they want to deal with is an expensive lawsuit or criminal prosecution. Even the most honest managers are faced with legal accusations that result in audits made by third-party agencies. Your goal as the business leader is to remain actively aware of this problem and prevent its occurrence. Learn how to prevent an auditor from stepping onto your business premises.

Maintain Records

If you receive the request for an audit or not, make sure you are prepared with proper documentation. All auditors ask to see documents to use as evidence in legal proceedings. They cannot take anyone's word for any fact because people undergoing serious audits are known to be deceitful. 

In general, business managers are encouraged to maintain records of important events and financial transactions. In case of possible fraudulent activities, maintain records of all employees who enter your company, including their dates, timesheets, positions and responsibilities. Maintain detailed logbooks of complaints that occur with your employees and customers along with the solutions made. 

Understand Audits to Prevent Them

Know what goes into an audit to become more knowledgeable about preventing it. First, know that an auditor does not show up at your business unexpectedly. You are usually informed about the inquiry for weeks or months in advance.

Some auditors provide you with a list of documents that you must provide to them. In most situations, they need financial documents that include bills of sales, bank statements and accounting records.

Before the audit, review your local laws that relate to business fraud. Identify the different types of fraud, such as embezzling and laundering, so that you are able to identify the signs without the auditor's help.

Conduct Your Own Audits

An internal audit is one that you conduct yourself with close attention to detail. Having the proper documentation is necessary to conduct auditing, so your first step is to organize and maintain the business records. 

To make the process go by more easily, form a team of trusted employees to carry out the investigations. Set up a regular time to hold audits and decide whether or not you want to inform the employees. 

An audit is necessary to check the credibility of a business that is accused of misconduct. However, an audit is not necessary if you can conduct internal audits and fix the problems on your own. Prevent an auditor from showing up at the business, and maintain your top position as the manager.