A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I'm in charge of finances at this very small company. I recently started the job, and shockingly, the financial situation is so poor we're close to bankruptcy as of next year. The last savings were used this year. When I try to inform my boss about this, and about need to save money, she ignored it! Last month we were close to not being able to pay my salary, but when I told my boss about it she just said they'd been fine for years, and that I would just have to use my wits to get us more money... Out of where?? I handle the finances, I'm not a sales rep. I can't make up money. My suggestions to save money have so far been shot down and ignored as well. She says she listens, but the next minute she tells me we should spend more money on this or that!I have a meeting with the board this weekend, where my boss will be attending (small company, my boss is head of the board). I have planned to raise the issue there. Any advice for how to conduct myself and get the urgent point across? Or do I just not care, and start applying for other jobs?
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (6 August 2015): Hi, and thank you for your answer. I know it is my obligation to inform the board about the financial situation, and this is what I have tried to do, so far to no avail. I have decided I will present the numers to the board in detail, as well as make them look over and adjust the current budget. When they see what little money we have left, hopefully they will understand that it is not a matter of buying the cheap things versus the expensive ones, but a matter of not affording to buy anything at all.
We have some board members who seem to think that purchases are justifiable, no matter what's on our account, and that we just "need" these items. They haven't grasped the situation at all.
A
male
reader, Sageoldguy1465  +, writes (5 August 2015):
 Be prepared to tell "the Board" just what you revealed in this submittal..... AND, be prepared to be terminated (sort of: "shoot the messenger...").... AND (as well) expect that - even if you survive the Board meeting, your days are numbered at this company.....
Good luck....
P.S. If you are the equivalent of a "CPA", here in the States, then you have a fiduciary OBLIGATION to inform the Board of the company's fragile financial position....
Good luck, again....
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (5 August 2015): jump ship before you end up in liquidation and without a salary.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie + ♥, writes (5 August 2015):
 Start applying for a new job, you have a reckless boss.
For your meeting I would make a clear presentation of the debt versus income ratio - show how little money there IS to stay afloat.
Being in charge of finances means you make sure bills, salaries, costs are paid that that customers pay on time. You also need to be "allowed" to rein in a "boss" who is overspending, as well as keep an eye on investments and savings. Your job is not to "make" money.
You can try and change up the budget - show the board where YOU think the saving need to come from.
BUT personally, if you have a financially reckless boss, I'd jump ship, because that is impossible to deal with long term. Been there done that.
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