Should I let go of a bookkeeper who kept something from us?

Dear Aunty B,

I am in a state of shock. My bookkeeper has been on holiday over the summer break and my GM discovered that she hadn’t paid some taxes. When we confronted her about it she said the money wasn’t there and she didn’t want to upset us over the Christmas break. We now have to pay the bill with penalty rates. I feel so cross and want to let her go as I don’t feel I can trust her.  On the other hand, she cares passionately about the business and has been very loyal! And she was just trying to make sure we all had a good holiday. Will a good telling-off be enough?

Not sure,

DN
 
Dear DN,

A good telling off will not be enough. She showed a huge error of judgement that could have led to the demise of your business if it hadn’t been uncovered. When was she going to tell you? What other decisions is she making on your behalf? What was the cost to the business? You have no choice but to let her go and replace her with someone who you can trust. If you can’t rely on your bookkeeper you may as well pack up and go home! Remember this: you want to sleep at night. And to do that you don’t need to sleep between silk sheets. You need to be on top of your financials. Sad, but true. (Besides, you slide off silk sheets. As bad as water beds.)

Be smart,

Your Aunty B