CoPilot’s How the Auditor Stole Christmas

In a town where the ledgers all balanced just right,

The figures were fair, and the budgets were tight.

The auditors came, with their pads and their pens,

To check all the numbers, again and again.

 

They found a moderate risk, an exception,

A purchase not wise, a financial detection.

For on two occasions, not in one but two years,

The Department made true the auditor’s fears.

 

With University funds, oh, what did they do?

They bought Christmas trees, not one but two!

For forty-two dollars and sixty-eight cents,

Such festive expenses made little sense.

 

The University's rules were quite clear and precise,

No seasonal spending, no matter how nice.

The trees were unallowable, a policy breach,

Not something that University funds should reach.

 

The auditors noted, with a recommendation strong,

To prevent such spending, to right the wrong.

"Ensure expenditures are allowable," they said,

"Before making purchases that could lead to dread."

 

And so, the Department must now reimburse,

For the trees that brought cheer, but also a curse.

For the spirit of Christmas, it's not about trees,

But about following policies, with greater ease.

 

The manager stood up, with a comment to make,

"I do not concur, there's been a mistake.

We called the Business Office, asked if it was fine,

To buy Christmas trees for a team-building time."

 

"The event was special, a professional day,

The trees were allowed, that's what they did say.

But now that we know, through this audit's lens,

We'll follow the rules, make amends for our spends."

 

The auditors listened, with a note to impart,

"While we understand your team-building heart,

Procurement and Business Services must stress,

Christmas trees for events, we cannot bless."

 

"They're seasonal expenses, not for University funds,

Even for team building, it simply can't be done.

We appreciate your cooperation, and your new view,

To prevent unallowable purchases, in future review."

 

So the Department learned, from this audit's quest,

To always check policies and do what is best.

For the spirit of teamwork, it's not about the decor,

But about building connections, and so much more.

 

So let this be a lesson, for one and for all,

To check the policies, in spring, summer, or fall.

For the auditor's watchful eyes do not rest,

Ensuring all spending is simply the best.