[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone, to me this seems like it would be a simple question but I can’t find an answer:

I am aware (and I really shouldn’t be but it was told to me nonetheless) of an investigation that internal audit is conducting. I have good information related to this and after over a week of thinking about it I do think it is in my company’s best interest if I pass on my information to internal audit as it relates to this investigation.

Now, the head of IA isn’t the most tactful person and struggles with confidentiality. That being said, I would like to share my knowledge with her pertaining to this issue on a confidential basis.

Do I have any protections here?

[NJPRU]

Does your company have a whistle blower policy? Subsequent to that, can you go to HR with this information? I wouldn't go right to IA with this information since the head of IA appears to lack independence and confidentiality and you don't want to have a retribution case on your hands.

AUD: DONE
FAR: DONE
BEC: DONE
REG: DONE

IM GOING TO BE A CPA!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Going to HR may work. An anonymous email to the IA guy may work too.

Either way, I'd dust off the old resume and line up a few interviews prior to dropping any bombs.

[Anonymous]

HR isn't that great either. My boss is currently acting CFO until it's determined who will fill the position. As such my boss is also the boss of the head of HR. She is also of poor character and there is a whole other slew of problems there too. My organization is simply ripe with everyone putting their heads in the sand so as to not deal with actual problems. Plus our average age of employee is still the baby boomer generation so everyone could literally give zero f***s. Hence, this dilemma. If I didn't have to ride it our a little longer for resume purposes I would be searching for a new job.

That being said I think you bring up a good point about the risk of going straight to IA. I really want to get this information to them so I think I may just take the risk. It's not such a big deal that I would face a lot of retribution. In other words, I am not selling out top executives. But it may have an impact on the relationship between myself and my boss if he were to find out.

[Anonymous]

How much involvement do you have with the investigation? Are you in a position in which I.A. could/will approach you at some point with questions of the matter? If so, it may be best to wait for them to approach you for information, depending on the context. Does your boss know the same information or is he/she directly involved? If he/she has knowledge but is not directly involved it may be best to have a conversation on the matter with him/her about the situation. Also, if your boss is not involved and has no knowledge of the matter it may be best to communicate with your boss before getting yourself involved as they may be able to help protect you from being overly involved.

If this is a matter pertaining to fraud that you have direct knowledge about you may want to consider the proper ethical decisions and actions that should be made and how this impacts your integrity.

Also as previously mentioned, it may be a good idea to start exploring other employment options.

[Author]

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