Satchell Company, a communications equipment manufacturer, recently fell victim to an embezzlement scheme masterminded by one of its employees. To understand the scheme, it is necessary to review Satchell’s procedures for the purchase of services.
The purchasing agent is responsible for ordering services (such as repairs to a photocopy machine or office cleaning) after receiving a service requisition from an authorized manager.
However, since no tangible goods are delivered, a receiving report is not prepared. When the Accounting Department receives an invoice billing Satchell for a service call, the accounts payable clerk calls the manager who requested the service in order to verify that it was performed.
The embezzlement scheme involves Drew Brogan, the manager of plant and facilities. Drew arranged for his uncle’s company, Brogan Industrial Supply and Service, to be placed on Satchell’s approved vendor list. Drew did not disclose the family relationship.
On several occasions, Drew would submit a requisition for services to be provided by Brogan Industrial Supply and Service. However, the service requested was really not needed, and it was never performed. Brogan would bill Satchell for the service and then split the cash payment with Drew.
Explain what changes should be made to Satchell’s procedures for ordering and paying for services in order to prevent such occurrences in the future.