This memo is out on election day so let’s tie together a few things. A recent article highlighted how companies are clamping down and even firing employees for misusing their company credit cards given specifically for buying lunches (for personal items).
Regarding the election, I’ve maintained for years (and nobody has argued with me about it) that to reach the level of governor, US House, Senate, or White House these politicians have some level of sleaze. They have to lie, cheat, take money from unscrupulous donors, and more. This applies to all political parties.
See the connection? The more people see those in the limelight do unethical things the more they feel they can.
Which is why we’re so glad our last three business seller clients had squeaky clean financial statements. One got a Quality of Earnings report from a major CPA firm that found nothing, yes nothing, out of order. None had add-backs, adjustments, or assumptions to make the business look better than it really is.
A couple years ago we learned that in France the government has 24/7 access to a company’s accounting system. Therefore, there was no need to ask about the blending of the business and personal checkbooks.
It’s nice when people are honest and ethical.
“Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels think of us.” Thomas Paine
“Show me a hero, and I will write you a tragedy” F. Scott Fitzgerald
