Return of the auditing woes

[luzula]

Aaaaaah. I'm probably boring you with this by now, but: I just handed in the audit report for that organization where I am one of the auditors. Or rather, we handed in the formal audit report and then a more informal critical comment on the audit report from the layperson auditors, to go among the annual meeting documents. It is so hard to decide how political you should allow yourself to be as an auditor. The thing is, besides the stuff the board is actually Doing Wrong that our professional auditor agrees with us layperson auditors on, the problem is that they are making internal political changes in the organization that have not been approved by the annual org meeting, and which are the type of changes that traditionally in our organization are decided at the annual meeting.

And yes, I myself am against these political changes, which is probably coloring what I say, but what's important to me as auditor is that the board made those decisions without consulting the annual meeting. (And that in itself is also a political opinion, because I'm making a judgement about what I think the balance of power between the board and the annual meeting should be.) OTOH, you could make an argument that yes, I'm supposed to examine what the board is doing and give my opinion on it, and then it's up to the annual meeting to make their judgement on both me and on the board, and choose the board and the auditors that they want for next year. And wouldn't it also be a political action not to say anything?

Fuck, this is so hard, and I hate confrontation. *is stressed out*

Comments

[riverlight]

Ugh, situations like this are so hard. How much longer do you have until the process is over one way or another?

[luzula]

Well, I sent in that document where we are critical of the board, so that's done. But there's the whole fallout from that still to deal with, like, I don't know what the board's reaction will be to that, and also there's the annual meeting in January where I need to go and answer questions and stuff. Aaaagh. Yeah, I know I took this on myself, but I've been auditor for three years before this, and it's usually a pretty stress-free thing. Not this year.

[riverlight]

Ugh, I'm sorry! No fun. At least the end is in sight?

[luzula]

Ha ha, no, I'm going up for re-election. I just feel it's my duty because I love this organization. But at least after I've made this statement, it'll be clear to the annual meeting how I approach the position of being auditor, and if they don't want that kind of auditor, then it's reasonable that they don't re-elect me. Gah, I just have to get past my dislike of conflict. /o\

[seascribble]

Augh, sympathies that you're having to deal with this. *hugs* I hope it stops being your problem soon.

[luzula]

Thanks! *hugs*

I hope it stops being your problem soon.

Ha ha, no, I'm going up for re-election. I'll definitely be taking it on myself, then, but I just feel it's my duty because I love this organization. But at least after I've made this statement, it'll be clear to the annual meeting how I approach the position of being auditor, and if they don't want that kind of auditor, then it's reasonable that they don't re-elect me.

[sage]

*hugs*

In the end, you were chosen to be auditor because they valued your opinion, right? And you've delivered a clear assessment of the situation from your point of view. That the pro-auditor agrees with you strengthens your position and actually helps you not have to engage in a debate over it if you don't want to. You can just refer them to the document and tell them that's really all you have to say on it.

I hope the fallout is much easier/more friendly than expected!

[luzula]

Thanks! *hugs back*

I think I'll have to at least be available for questions during the annual meeting. And yeah, the pro auditor agrees with us on various specific points, but on the whole we go further than him, but I think that's fair, because we come from within the org and know what traditions it has for the balance of power between board and annual meeting.

I hope the fallout is much easier/more friendly than expected!

I hope so, too! I know there are definitely members who agree with me. One of them actually started crying when she was talking about what the board was doing, so, yeah. Feelings run high.

[mergatrude]

*hugs*

I hope it goes better than you expect!

[luzula]

Thanks, I hope so, too! *hugs back*

[tinypinkmouse]

If the board is going against the way things are usually done, then I think you couldn't in good conscience have let it go completely unmentioned. And since you know the difference between yor personal opinion and your opinion as an auditor (so to speak), and maybe they support each other, but they're still two different things, I don't see that that's a problem.

I can't deal with confrontation myself, so you have all my sympathies.

[luzula]

Thanks! Yeah, I'd have felt bad if I hadn't said anything. Now I just have to prepare for debate and confrontation...

[jesse_the_k]

Thank you for caring enough about the organization, its mission, and ethics in general to do this work.*

I've been in your position, and it's really challenging. It helped me to depersonalize the issues, while still sustaining personable relations with all participants. In other words, it's OK to disagree politically! It doesn't mean you're hating on someone. (And OMG I've also been the person in tears. Yipes, that's hard.)

* I'm guessing you're not going to hear that much when you get to the board meeting, but it's still true!

[luzula]

Awww, thanks. ♥ I'll try to do the depersonalization thing--right now there are two people I really do dislike because of what they're doing and their political opinions, but I am trying to keep the conversation civil. *sigh*

It's funny how much we have in common, btw. I'd really love to meet you some day. : )

[jesse_the_k]

Ugh, the folks who begin to personify their incorrect political thinking. Imagine them as invading aliens with bunny heads (can't hurt).

I'd also enjoy meeting you someday ... perhaps we could meet mid-Atlantic on a magnificent replica of the Bounty? Complete with dogs and internet.

[luzula]

Ha, that sounds perfect. The seagulls would cry around us and we (and our laptops) would be silhouetted beautifully against the sunset. *g*

[brigantine]

Uuuugh, possible confrontations, and feeeelings! /o\

I hope the folks on the board can see that what you're pointing out isn't a personal attack, but that you're just being sensible. Fingers crossed!

[luzula]

Thanks! Yeah, it's pretty stressful.

Don't you work with accounting? If so, you'll appreciate this one. The latest thing the board is trying is this: "We want to change the accounting principles and use all of the state subsidies for 2014 in the 13/14 fiscal year instead of (as usual) reserving part of them for the 14/15 fiscal year, because that will make our 13/14 budget look better!" (The fiscal year runs from September to August.)

Really? *eyeroll*

[jesse_the_k]

OMFG. Are these adults? /o\

[ride-4ever.livejournal.com]

*joins you in hating confrontations*

Here, have an anti-stress donut from Dief.

[luzula]

I guess they're necessary sometimes, though. Thanks!