Key Takeaway: A 4‑week audit across POS, bank statements, and staff incentives uncovered leak points worth 15% of monthly revenue.
Signals
- VAT remittances inconsistent with reported sales (GRA filings).
- Refunds clustered around shift changes.
- Card settlements lagging bank credits by 3–5 days.
Actions
- Daily POS-to-bank reconciliation with variance thresholds.
- Supervisor approval on refunds above GHS 250; audit trail enforced.
- Incentives linked to verified deposits, not POS totals.
Outcome
- Recovered 15% revenue over 60 days; variance stabilized under 0.6%.
- Cash handling risks reduced using chamber of commerce guidance.
Discussion questions
- Which reconciliation breaks do we tolerate today—and why?
- What refund controls can we add without slowing customers?
- Can incentives shift to verified bank deposits?