How should bank accounts used for grant funds be controlled?

• A. Segregation of duties, dual control for check signing, reconciliation, and securing funds to prevent misappropriation.
• B. Single handler manages all tasks for efficiency.
• C. Bank accounts may be kept in personal names if needed.
• D. No controls are required for grant bank accounts.

Answer: (A)

Controls over grant bank accounts are about safeguarding funds and ensuring accurate, auditable stewardship. Segregation of duties means spreading tasks so no one person handles receipts, disbursements, and record-keeping alone, which reduces opportunities for errors or fraud. Dual control for check signing adds a verification layer—two people must authorize payments—making unauthorized disbursements much harder. Regular bank reconciliations compare the bank statements with the organization’s ledgers to spot and fix discrepancies promptly, keeping the books truthful and up to date. Securing funds covers protecting physical cash or checks, restricting account access, and using secure processes for transfers and disbursements.

Grant funds should be kept separate from personal finances and recorded in the organization’s official accounts to preserve traceability, accountability, and auditability. Choosing to let a single person manage all tasks, using personal bank accounts, or having no controls would undermine accountability and compliance with grant requirements.