Issue with local Community Centre

[Phoenix]

I have a bit of a dilemma. I've recently started to do some volunteer / non-paying work at the local CC in Shanghai. Athough that this is not a full-fledged charity (since as I understand it, the Chinese Govt is a bit "suspect" of charities), this CC *does* claim that it is a non-profit organisation and its charter is to do charity work.

Now, I've asked to assist and been accepted in some book-keeping/ accounting role (given my experience and qualification as a Charterered Accountant/ CPA). I've also told them I could help organising events too. However, the Events Director who was initially *very* enthusiastic (almost excited in fact) about having me join her - in particular with regard to a very big gala due to take place on the 14th Nov - has gone completely cold on the whole thing. I was supposed to help her with buying some flowers, answering emails, liaising with members etc; and she also asked if I could look at their contract with a local newspaper (which was supposed to run an article on this organisation) since I have some legal background and esp. since my husband is a lawyer. She said she was going to call and email me to let me know exactly what needed to be done. I didn't hear anything for a couple of days, so I sent her an sms. She replied and said that her schedules had changed somewhat and that she was going to call me. That was last week and 'til now, I've not heard from her again, either by 'phone or email.

The accountant/ fraud investigator in me tells me something dodgy is going on. Alarm bells are sounding so loud, I could be standing right next to the Sistine Chapel!! I do remember putting on the registration form that I worked as a Fraud Investigator for a couple of years. I'm fairly certain that this must be what's put her off. I feel really bad, not for me, but more for the organisation, which is supposed to help underprivileged children as well as do other things like helping expats who have recently arrived in Shanghai who have problems assimilating and also help counsel locals and expats with family/ marital problems etc.

I don't know what to do. I'd appreciate any advice you might have. I don't think I'm jumping to conclusions ....All of my experience as an auditor/ fraud investigator has honed me to recognise when something is off; and this one just...well, stinks!!



ETA: I just realised that the title should read: "Issue AT local CC" and not "Issue WITH local CC"!

 

[purrfectpear]

You could well be correct, but let me offer a potential rational that differs.

Given the climate in China of political mistrust, could they simply be suspicious that you could be some sort of government "mole" trying to stir up trouble where none exists? Maybe they aren''t doing anything fraudulent but are just afraid of you as an extension of big brother?

I know if I had a business I wouldn''t be too keen on having a spy in my midst no matter how squeeky clean I might be?

Just thinking out loud. On the other hand they might be dirty as all get out

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 11/8/2009 11:55:42 AM
Author: purrfectpear
You could well be correct, but let me offer a potential rational that differs.

Given the climate in China of political mistrust, could they simply be suspicious that you could be some sort of government 'mole' trying to stir up trouble where none exists? Maybe they aren't doing anything fraudulent but are just afraid of you as an extension of big brother?

I know if I had a business I wouldn't be too keen on having a spy in my midst no matter how squeeky clean I might be?

Just thinking out loud. On the other hand they might be dirty as all get out

Thanks, PP, for offering an alternative perspective.

I am not doubting the whole organisation, only the Events Director. The top person who runs the CC has welcomed me with open arms, which makes me feel even worse for them, since this Events Director could be bleeding them dry.

Also, if I were a mole, I wouldn't have disclosed my previous experience as a Fraud Investigator. That would spook them too much, KWIM?

I *know* I'm not being paranoid. I just wish there were something I could do. Then again, you might say: "Who appointed you a crusader?"

 

[Skippy123]

I would talk to a coworker (a fellow CPA about it), see what they think you should do since they know the rules and regulations out there. Do they have an audit done themselves? eta: that does sound weird.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 11/8/2009 12:18:29 PM
Author: Skippy123
I would talk to a coworker (a fellow CPA about it), see what they think you should do since they know the rules and regulations out there. Do they have an audit done themselves? eta: that does sound weird.

Thank you, Skippy. I don't think there's another CPA/ CA there - at the organisation, that is. I don't think the org is audited either, it's pretty small-ish and I doubt if it's subject to any kind of regulations, but I don't know for certain.

I'm going to try and find out more when I look through the books. It makes me a little sick to be honest, when I think about how s.o. who works for a charity could be doing this and thus depriving the people whom this charity is supposed to help.

As a CPA yourself, do you think this is suspicious?