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In some way or another, we have all been affected by COVID-19. As an auditor who sometimes travels to conduct various audit and risk assessment services, my work life has changed only slightly. Luckily, because we have members who opt to have their services handled remotely, EPCOR was already equipped to have our team work remotely since we are scattered across the footprint.
I’ve been very thankful for the ability to work remotely many times over the last few months. My husband is also working remotely and my son is out of school, so I do have to share my WiFi with them, but that is a small price to pay.
In speaking and working with our members remotely, I have noticed that many of you are working remotely as well. It’s wonderful that your financial institution has allowed and made it possible for you to stay safe by quarantining. While working remotely definitely has its advantages, it’s evident that there are also some drawbacks.
When preparing for a remote service, some members are able to upload all of the requested documentation with ease since their records are maintained electronically; however, others have had to schedule time to go into their office building to pull and scan documents for their auditor to review. So far, each member I’ve worked with who has had to venture into their office to scan documents has been able to so without difficulty.
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The lack of difficulty, however, doesn’t mean any of this has been convenient. Just since the time that social distancing and quarantining has become common practice, I’ve noticed Business Continuity Plans have been updated to include more information and preparations for pandemic situations. If your financial institution hasn’t done this yet, I am sure it is on someone’s to-do list in 2020.
To-do lists concerning disaster preparedness during pandemics, social distancing and quarantining seem to keep growing longer with each day. Steps that could be taken by financial institutions to prepare for quarantine in the future could include things such as moving records from hard copy to electronic copy, working with the IT Department to ensure that there is a plan in place to allow employees to work from home if necessary and, as I mentioned earlier, updating the Business Continuity Plan to be more comprehensive for pandemic situations.
There has been a recent report of companies allowing employees to work from home only to find that a large portion of them do not have internet access. This makes me wonder if the current situation is prompting individuals to develop a disaster plan for themselves and their family should this occur in the future. While hopefully the hoarding of toilet paper is not on that list, contingency plans for working from home would be included.
It’s been entertaining to have video calls with our members and hear or see their kids or pets in the background, and sometimes in the foreground. At this point, several weeks into quarantine, we’re all used to dogs barking. Rest assured, your dog barking is not the first one we’ve heard on a call, nor will it be the last, and that is perfectly fine with this dog lover!
We all understand the uncertain and unusual times in which we are living, and that each of us needs to be understanding, accommodating, kind and helpful. Our entire team is here to help you! So with all of the stress that is caused by the current pandemic situation, the last thing we want to do is add to that stress! Just Keep Calm, Stay Safe, and Audit On!
And, if your ACH Audit is just another stressful task on your to-do list, reach out to us at audit@epcor.org. We’d be more than happy to assist you! Or, if you’re going the DIY route, make it a little easier by utilizing our ACH Audit Workbook. And remember, during this difficult time, we’re in this together and we’re here for you!