05/28/2026
Discovering Unauthorized Expenses Through Reconciliation
Unauthorized expenses can go unnoticed for months β especially when businesses do not perform regular reconciliations.
Even when transactions are recorded in the books, failing to reconcile bank accounts and credit cards can allow unauthorized payments, personal expenses, and fraud to go undetected.
In this video, we explain how reconciliation helps uncover hidden financial issues within a business.
Topics covered include:
βοΈ How reconciliation reveals unauthorized bank and credit card transactions
βοΈ Real examples of employees using company funds for personal expenses
βοΈ Why recording transactions is not enough without proper reconciliation
βοΈ The importance of separating duties in the accounting process
βοΈ Why someone independent from the preparer should review reconciliations
βοΈ How lack of oversight increases the risk of internal fraud
In one case, unauthorized payments were discovered only after reconciliation was performed β including personal expenses paid directly from the companyβs bank account.
Another critical issue arises when the same person handles payments, accounting, and reconciliation, making it easier for improper transactions to go unnoticed.
Regular reconciliation, combined with proper internal controls and independent review, is essential to ensure that all expenses are valid, authorized, and related to the business.
If you want to strengthen your internal controls and protect your business from unauthorized expenses:
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π Learn more: https://fascpaconsultants.com/accounting-bookkeeping/
At FAS CPA & Consultants, we help businesses implement strong accounting controls, detect irregular transactions early, and maintain accurate, audit-ready financial records.