I am using the London region as an example of what I am thinking of with regards to the annual cycle of returns and complying with strict deadlines to do with submissions. I fully accept the importance of adhering to the process completely and absolutely but the vast majority of front line officers at branch level do not and should not be expected to be able to or understand the finer detail, so I would imagine that even Unison would accept the need to simplify and improve the process.
It would be infinitely better if monthly monitoring of accounts ( income and expenditure) were done and submitted to national electronically on a monthly basis. There is nothing what so ever to excuse us not being able to accommodate this?
I have worked as an accountant for many years and I see no reason why a medium size branch like Lambeth for example, could not collect and present the relevant information every month. A data base will then be constructed and central office will have 11 out of 12 motnhs of information by the end of December and 12 out of 12 end of January? They will then have time to raise inquiries and complete audited submissions to the certification officer much earlier? It is that simple! A branch will need an officer with a finance background to be available to do this role but that should not be a major problem! Lets move to the 21st century please??
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