Mail should be opened by someone while he or she is receiving payments and issuing receipts. True or false?

Mail should be opened by someone while he or she is receiving payments and issuing receipts. True or false?

• A. True.
• B. False.
• C. It doesn’t matter.
• D. Only by the city clerk.

Answer: (B)

Separating duties in cash handling protects the integrity of financial transactions. Mail containing payments should be opened by someone who is not the person receiving payments or issuing receipts. If the same person handles both paying and noting receipts, opportunities for misdirected funds, fake or mismatched receipts, or mistakes increase. Having a designated mail opener review incoming payments, log them, and forward them to the person who issues receipts and handles deposits ensures proper verification, recording, and reconciliation with the bank. This control creates accountability and reduces the risk of errors or theft.

Separating duties in cash handling protects the integrity of financial transactions. Mail containing payments should be opened by someone who is not the person receiving payments or issuing receipts. If the same person handles both paying and noting receipts, opportunities for misdirected funds, fake or mismatched receipts, or mistakes increase. Having a designated mail opener review incoming payments, log them, and forward them to the person who issues receipts and handles deposits ensures proper verification, recording, and reconciliation with the bank. This control creates accountability and reduces the risk of errors or theft.