What policies and procedures do companies implement to protect against employee theft?

Companies implement internal controls as a critical measure to protect against employee theft. Internal controls refer to the processes and procedures put in place by an organization to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in operational efficiency, reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

By establishing strong internal controls, such as segregation of duties, mandatory vacations for employees handling cash, and regular reconciliation of accounts, organizations can make it more difficult for employees to commit theft without detection. These controls help create a system of checks and balances that enhance oversight and reduce opportunities for dishonest behavior.

While external audits and inventory assessments can play a role in detecting theft, they are more reactive measures, identifying issues after they have occurred rather than preventing them. Financial projections, while vital for planning and budgeting, do not directly pertain to mitigating risks of employee theft. Internal controls are therefore the foundational policy and procedure for safeguarding a company's assets against internal threats.