Field notes
Preparing for a process review visit
A financial process review moves faster when sample documents are ready. Think of a thin evidence pack, not a warehouse of binders.
Useful items: five recent sales invoices, five supplier bills, the latest bank reconciliation, payroll calendar, and any written credit policy — even if it is a short email.
List who touches money: who raises invoices, who banks cheques or confirms transfers, who approves refunds, who talks to the accountant.
Tell staff the visit is about process clarity, not personal fault-finding. People share more accurate steps when they feel safe describing shortcuts they use under pressure.
If systems differ between sites or seasons, note that in advance. Seasonal spikes are common in Tasmanian trading businesses and change what “normal” looks like.