No Barriers USA

“In december of 2015, the new finance director and bookkeeper of the organization discovered some suspicious transactions while reconciling the bank and credit card accounts to close the fiscal year. Over the subsequent two months, the finance staff uncovered over 200 unauthorized transactions executed and deceptively recorded by the former contract bookkeeper over a period of two years. The bookkeeper had severed her relationship with the organization in october of 2015. Upon completion of their investigation, the finance staff documented a total of over $208,000 in funds diverted from no barriers accounts for the benefit of the bookkeeper and/or her company. No barriers filed a criminal complaint with the local police department's financial crimes unit on january 29, 2016, and filed a civil complaint against the perpetrator on june 29, 2016. The criminal investigation is ongoing at the time of this filing and the civil suit will be aggressively prosecuted through the local justice system and provides for up to triple damages in the event of a favorable outcome. The organization has recovered approximately $30,000 from a few of the banks whose accounts were violated, however, no barriers was not covered by insurance for these losses. The organization has since obtained coverage for this type of theft. In addition, the hiring of a full-time in-house finance staff has provided the opportunity for, and implementation of, new internal controls designed to prevent a recurrence of this type of criminal activity, in addition to the education of the entire staff on the need for proper control processes, procedures, and accountability.”

“Form 990 is reviewed by the executive director and the finance committee of the board of directors.”

“The organization's conflict of interest policy covers all officers, directors, members of a committee with governing board delegated powers, staff and volunteers. In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement. After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.”

“The organization strives to compensate its employees at or above the 75th percentile of the salary ranges published by colorado association of nonprofit organizations (canpo) for organizations of similar size. Periodic reviews are conducted and job descriptions are continually reviewed and revised to better align with this publication in order to provide fair and comparable salaries and benefits. The board of directors reviews, establishes, and approves the salary and benefits package for the executive director based on the guidelines published by canpo, the larger national market, and the director's performance. The executive director utilizes these guidelines in approving salaries and benefits for the entire staff.”

“The organization makes its governing documents and policies available to the public based upon a written request to the executive director.”

“Loss due to theft from former employee 163,117.”