Accounting Takes the Blame...Again

A friend of mine recently told me about a company-wide crisis at her office that had everyone unfairly pointing the finger of blame at the Accounting department. Her mid-sized company had prepaid two months worth of health insurance premiums well in advance of the due date. Despite years of timely payments and a solid relationship with their insurance company, the insurer lost the check in their mail room and immediately canceled the company's insurance coverage. Rather than call the company and ask where their payment was before canceling health insurance coverage for 50+ employees, the insurance company failed to notify anyone. It was only after employees attempted to file claims for care that they found out they had no insurance. Understandably, everyone in the company was furious, and when a mob mentality breaks out, someone has to bear the brunt of the anger. As a result, Accounting was lambasted and assumed to be the guilty party.

Fortunately, my friend, who happened to cut the check for the insurance premium payments, had a well documented trail of evidence vindicating Accounting from any wrong doing. It was thus determined that the insurer had been responsible for the misplaced payment.

This situation reminded me of how crucial the accounting function is to any organization. It is a shame that our critical existence is hardly ever recognized when business is carrying on as usual. It is only when an error is made that the importance of accounting is acknowledged, and then only as the scape goat.

Throughout your accounting career you will always be blamed for the errors of others. Just remember that your work and reputation should always speak for themselves. Don't be vexed and try to verbally fight back or shift the blame. Let your documentation and record of consistent adherence to professional and company procedures speak for themselves. Most of the time, those who were quickest to accuse the accountants will ultimately find themselves in the position of convicted defendant.