1. The CDM, CFPP is assigned to manage petty cash in the department . The CDM, CFPP decides to use money from petty cash one day for personal use with the intent to pay it back shortly. Is this ethical? Why or why not?
ANSWER
Businesses establish petty cash funds to cover small, unexpected business expenses that crop up in the normal course of operations. This money should be used only for department related expenses and not for personal use. It is unethical to co-mingle finances. Checks and balances should be in place for accounting for petty cash. Most businesses have rules for petty cash to ensure that is not used inappropriately.
Most petty cash funds are kept in a locked location, such as a cash box or drawer, with documentation of transactions. Businesses should designate a custodian of the petty cash fund and designate a different person to authorize or approve disbursement of the funds, and a third person assigned to perform the accounting functions, such as reconciling petty cash and other accounts at the end of the month.