finance training audit questions

We had our audit last night and the Audit question came up about reviewing the training. The question says, the Bishopric and the Clerk, and the clerk assigned to finances all view the training together. In the last 12 months.

I asked the question about where the instructions are that we all view this togehter before we're 'tagged' in the audit question. I seemed to recall in my investigation that the Bishopric and the Clerk were to view it together, but the 'clerk assigned to finances' looks to be an addition to the original, or was done for more clarification because the original term 'clerk' was ambiguous. I've only been doing the finance stuff for a few months, and while I watched the training when I was first called and I watched it again yesterday before our audit, we still technically, had to hit NO for that audit question.

So the question is, where is the INSTRUCTION to view the training together in the same room at the same time? I've been looking and looking but just can't seem to find anything other than the audit questions and I can't even get a list of the audit questions.

thanks

Looking back at past conversations and from my own memory, I don't think there was ever any written instruction on it other than the audit question until they added something to the handbook in 2021 (which still doesn't mention that the bishopric and clerks should watch it together). But I'm pretty sure the audit question specifically mentioned the assistant clerk for finances even from the beginning in 2019.

I've always been puzzled why they removed the ability for the ward finance clerk to download the blank audit form. When I was first called as a finance clerk (>10 years ago) it was available but then a couple years later it disappeared. If it were easily available I'd advise all the clerks in our units to review it before every audit.

The audit site seems to be down right now but as far as I remember the wording says the group must watch it 'together' (and doesn't say 'in the same room'). We've interpreted that to allow virtual meetings as long as everyone is watching and listening at the same time and can discuss anything that comes to mind while watching it.

General Handbook 34.5
Handling Church Funds

The stake president and bishop ensure that all Church funds are properly handled. This is a sacred responsibility of their callings. General principles are outlined in the following sections. Bishoprics and clerks review the video “Sacred Funds, Sacred Responsibilities” at least once a year.

I don't think anyone is questioning the requirement that the bishopric and finance clerk review the training, only that "all view the training together" as stated by the audit.

russellhltn wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:18 pm I don't think anyone is questioning the requirement that the bishopric and finance clerk review the training, only that "all view the training together" as stated by the audit.

My point was that is all the General Handbook says currently, nothing about viewing the training together. Perhaps the handbook still needs updating in this regard though. However, it does not say finance clerk, it says clerks, to me that is the ward clerk and the finance clerk as both have finance authority.

garystroble wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:53 pm My point was that is all the General Handbook says currently, nothing about viewing the training together.
...
However, it does not say finance clerk, it says clerks, to me that is the ward clerk and the finance clerk as both have finance authority.

Agreed.

garystroble wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:53 pm Perhaps the handbook still needs updating in this regard though.

Perhaps, but this very issue came up nearly 5 years ago: Tech forum: Sacred Funds, Sacred Responsibilities video

Sounds like some feedback is needed from the clerks via the auditor on the audit form and yes, that can be done.

Perhaps the 'together' can be inferred because there are a couple points in the video that say to stop the video and discuss what you've heard. And yes, the leaders and clerks can do this all virtually.

russellhltn wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 6:18 pm I don't think anyone is questioning the requirement that the bishopric and finance clerk review the training, only that "all view the training together" as stated by the audit.

Personally, I don't question it. I assume the audit questions are approved at the same levels as the handbook and can be considered just a authoritative. However it would be better if the ward clerks had better visibility into what they do say.

eblood66 wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 8:07 pm Personally, I don't question it. I assume the audit questions are approved at the same levels as the handbook and can be considered just a authoritative. However it would be better if the ward clerks had better visibility into what they do say.

The problem is you're not aware of it until you hit an audit. It's setting you up to fail. Not cool.

Putting it in the Handbook would be authoritative, but putting it on the video page would work too. Likewise, stating that at the beginning of the video. That way the Handbook wouldn't have to be updated with any changes when the training changes.

russellhltn wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 8:48 pm

eblood66 wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 8:07 pm Personally, I don't question it. I assume the audit questions are approved at the same levels as the handbook and can be considered just a authoritative. However it would be better if the ward clerks had better visibility into what they do say.

The problem is you're not aware of it until you hit an audit. It's setting you up to fail. Not cool.

Putting it in the Handbook would be authoritative, but putting it on the video page would work too. Likewise, stating that at the beginning of the video. That way the Handbook wouldn't have to be updated with any changes when the training changes.

The language about watching it together has been in the audit question language since the mid-year 2020 audit. This is nothing new.