Who should conduct surprise cash counts at least once per quarter?

The responsibility for conducting surprise cash counts at least once per quarter falls to the Activity Manager or a designated representative. This individual is essential in maintaining the integrity and security of financial operations within the service activity. Their role ensures that cash handling processes are followed correctly, and that any discrepancies can be identified and addressed in a timely manner.

This requirement is put in place to enhance accountability and ensure compliance with financial policies. The Activity Manager is usually in a position to oversee operations and understand the specific context of their activity, making them well-suited to conduct these surprise counts effectively. By having a designated representative carry out this task, you also ensure that a knowledgeable person is checking that cash handling practices meet the required standards, further safeguarding against potential misappropriation or errors.

In contrast, options like any staff member, head cashier, or external auditor may not provide the same level of oversight or specificity required in this process. A head cashier, for example, while knowledgeable about day-to-day transactions, may not have the impartiality or authority to conduct a surprise count effectively, as they are more involved in daily operations. Similarly, while an external auditor may conduct audits, their role is typically more periodic and not necessarily focused on the frequent surprise cash counts mandated for internal controls