Why Financial Accountability Is Non-Negotiable in Childcare and Faith-Led Businesses

In light of the recent Minnesota fraud scheme and the ripple effects it is having across the Midwest, including Ohio, it is more important than ever for those of us who are doing things right to be prepared.

When you work with subsidized funds, government money, or grant dollars, you are not just managing a budget. You are stewarding resources that were entrusted to you. That requires an entirely different level of responsibility.

This is not about fear.

This is about integrity.

An Audience of One Changes Everything

I live and operate my businesses with an audience of one. God the Father.

That means I do not behave differently when no one is looking. I do not cut corners because something is inconvenient. I do not justify gray areas. What I do in the dark must be able to withstand the light.

Integrity matters because eventually everything is inspected.

When the Investigation Call Comes

Recently I was notified that our company was being investigated by the Department of Labor. We were told we were randomly selected because of the increase in fraud they were seeing nationwide. As a result, they would be reviewing two full years of our practices in detail.

I will be honest. That call was alarming.

When we spoke with our attorney, she was concerned for us. Her words were sobering. She told us she rarely sees businesses go up against the Department of Labor and come out unscathed.

That could have sent me into panic.

Instead, I paused and reminded myself who I answer to.

If I cannot lay my head on the pillow at night knowing I am operating legally, ethically, and transparently, then something is already broken long before an investigator shows up.

What I Learned Through the Process

During the investigation, we did discover a few things we simply did not know. Policies that were unclear. Procedures that needed refinement. Adjustments that were necessary.

And here is something important that many business owners need to hear.

There is a huge difference between malicious intent to defraud the government and simply not knowing something.

The Department of Labor understands that.

They have shown incredible grace. They have been kind. They have been thorough. They have explained what needed to change and why.

At the end of it all, the investigator told us we were one of the easiest companies she had worked with. She thanked us for being cooperative, polit,e and organized.

That only happens when you have nothing to hide.

Accountability Is Not the Enemy

If you value justice.

If you want fraud removed from our systems.

If you want ethical businesses to thrive.

Then accountability should be welcomed, not feared.

I have always welcomed accountability because I know I am doing my best to operate above board. When inspections come, I want to be guilt free not defensive.

And trust m,e inspections will come.

Clear Financial Lines Are Essential

When you receive subsidy fund,s government reimbursement,s or grant money, your financial systems must be airtight.

That means

Separate accounts

Clean books

Clear documentation

Consistent reconciliation

And a paper trail that tells the story clearly

Document. Document. Document.

If you cannot easily explain where money came from, where it went, and why it was use,d you are vulnerable, whether you realize it or not.

The Emergency Fund Problem No One Wants to Talk About

One of the most alarming things I see in business is how many owners are terrified that if funds are delayed or withheld temporarily, they will have to close their doors.

That is not a government problem.

That is a business structure problem.

Every business should have at least two to three months of operating expenses set aside.

If you do not, you are operating in crisis mode, whether you feel it yet or not.

Profit is not a bonus.

Profit is protection.

I strongly believe that at a minimum of 1% of profit every month should automatically be moved into a savings account that is not touched.

That money is not for vacations.

It is not for upgrades.

It is not for rewards.

It is for survival and stability.

Planning for the Slump Is Wisdom, Not Fear

Every year, we expect a fall slump.

Because we expect it, we prepare for it.

There are seasons where I transfer $30,000 from savings into our operating account to cover the dip. I do it without fear because I know what is coming in February and what summer camp will replenish.

That is not luck.

That is planning.

I heard it said there are 2 seasons: Winter and Planning for Winter. Same with your business. Hard times and planning for hard times. Be prepared.

When you build this rhythm into your business, you are no longer emotionally hijacked by seasonal fluctuations.

Final Word

Walk in integrity when you think no one is watching.

Keep your financial house in order.

Welcome accountability.

Build a real safety net.

When investigations come, and they will, you will not be afraid. You will be steady, grounded and confident.

Because integrity always stands up under inspection.

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