Chapter 168 Start Auditing
"What we need is solid evidence. We focus on the facts, not the people. We absolutely cannot create panic in the company."
Henry earnestly reminded me.
"I know, Dad. Don't worry."
These veteran employees have been entrenched in the company for quite some time. If we act rashly, we might shake the company's foundation. We can only proceed gradually.
After returning, I immediately called York over. "Last time you mentioned that after Finnley was arrested by the police, someone defended him. So tell me, who's usually close to Finnley?"
"Patrick from finance! I heard he's been in close contact with Finnley privately. The two of them even go fishing and play golf together from time to time."
Patrick from the finance department?
Hearing this, I broke out in a cold sweat.
The finance department is the company's top priority, always personally managed by Henry. But with Henry's busy daily schedule, there are inevitably oversights.
With this thought, I instantly had an idea - let's start investigating from the finance department.
Thinking of this, I said, "To prevent incidents like Finnley's from happening again, Dad and I discussed it and established an audit department. Starting today, I'll lead a team to thoroughly investigate the company's internal affairs. Help me keep an eye out, and report anything suspicious."
"If the information is accurate, I'll give you extra rewards, especially intelligence about the company's senior management."
As I spoke, I glanced at York leisurely and continued, "You know, these people have made considerable contributions to the company. Dad's intention is to treat them well, but I don't know how to do that properly. I'm just thinking that if any of them have their own ideas, I'd like to know so I can take action."
At this point, I deliberately looked at York. "You understand what I mean?"
York nodded quickly. "I understand, I understand. How could I not understand what you mean? Don't worry, leave it to me. I'll handle everything properly."
York then said with a cheeky grin, "But can I recruit some more people?"
"What are you thinking?"
Does he really think the company is a spy agency? I kicked at him.
York dodged sideways.
After dodging, he opened the office door and slipped out, then cheekily poked his head back in.
"Helena, I'm off to gather intelligence. I'll come report if I hear anything useful."
I waved my hand. "Go, go. But keep your mouth shut. If I hear any rumors, watch out for your wallet."
As soon as I said this, York immediately clutched his pocket and complained pitifully, "Poor me, so broke and still being exploited by you. How cruel!"
"When I gather useful information, I'll definitely ask for more bonus!"
"Fine, I'm waiting. Now go." I waved him away.
Not long after York left, the people I was waiting for gathered in the office.
Since we're starting with the finance department, we definitely need professionals to investigate.
I specifically called over the finance heads from our subsidiary companies, planning a surprise inspection.
Looking at everyone assembled before me, I stood up. "Since everyone's here, let's go."
"Ms. Lockwood, what are we going to do?"
One man spoke up. I recognized him as Clifton Farley, the finance head of one of our subsidiary companies.
As soon as he spoke, the others all looked at me with puzzled expressions.
Seeing this, I said, "I've asked you all here to help me investigate some accounting issues in the company. I ask that everyone conducts a thorough investigation and shows no favoritism!"
"We're auditing headquarters' accounts - is this Mr. Lockwood's decision?"
Clifton asked cautiously, clearly not believing my words.
But I understood his caution. The Lockwood Group headquarters has always been something they look up to. Now asking these subsidiary employees to audit headquarters employees' accounts - isn't that crazy?
"You all might not have heard about what happened with Finnley. Let me fill you in."
I calmly explained the situation.
"After Finnley was arrested, they found considerable evidence of embezzlement. He's now been formally charged."
"So Dad and I discussed it and established an audit department, with me leading it. Auditing the finance accounts is just the first step. Other departments will follow. Please don't feel any psychological burden. Whatever we find has nothing to do with any of you."
After hearing my explanation, everyone finally understood.
"Ms. Lockwood, we're all ready. Let's begin."
After Clifton spoke, the others chimed in. Seeing this, I stood up. "Let's go then."
The finance department is on the tenth floor. When we arrived, the finance team, having received notice, was already waiting with their hands folded.
"Welcome, Ms. Lockwood."
Patrick approached me with a big smile, extending his hand. After a brief handshake, he led me into the office area.
"We're all prepared. I wonder what period Ms. Lockwood plans to audit?"
I glanced at him. "Audit the accounts from two years ago."
Going too far back won't reveal much, and if it's too recent, the books might already be balanced. Two years ago is just right.
"Alright, no problem."
Patrick led us to the finance storage room. After opening it, neatly organized reports were stacked in cabinets labeled by year.
He pointed. "These are all the accounts from two years ago. I'll have someone move them out now."
I nodded. Soon, everyone behind me sprang into action, moving all these documents to a large office next door that had been specially cleared out.
Seeing Clifton and the others settling into their positions and starting work, I looked at Patrick expressionlessly. "This might take some time. Patrick, you can go back to your work."
"Alright, thank you for your hard work, Ms. Lockwood."
Patrick slowly closed the office door and left.
Looking at the busy scene inside, I knew this wouldn't yield results without at least half a month, so I couldn't rush it. Take it slow.
Just then, my phone rang. It was Henry calling.
"Helena, Ivan is back. Come with me to your grandmother's house at noon."
Ivan is actually back!
My heart sank. Rosalind dotes on Ivan the most. With Ivan back, she might come up with some new scheme.
Thinking of this, my mood soured. Suppressing my emotions, I said, "Okay, Dad. I'll go with you."
As I spoke, I glanced at the people behind me and stood up to leave.
My assistant Giselle Montague, who was following close behind, saw me leaving and quickly asked, "Ms. Lockwood, what about these people?"
I looked at her. "Proceed according to plan. When work ends, send them to a hotel. Don't let anyone contact them during this time. Keep a close eye on them for me."
"Yes."
Giselle pushed up her glasses. "I'm just worried these people might have objections."
"If anyone has objections, tell them they'll get triple pay after the audit is complete. Anyone still unwilling can choose to opt out."