Kathy Lentz, Rob Snyder, and Tom Rohm were all general partners in a consulting business. Each partner owned one-third of the business. The partnership agreement stated that all three partners must approve vouchers for payments in amounts exceeding $5,000. While Tom was on vacation Kathy and Rob decided to purchase a new computer system costing $6,800. A voucher was prepared and Rob signed both his and Tom’s names. Kathy signed her name and gave the voucher to the accounts payable clerk who wrote the check for $6,800.
1. Why would a partnership agreement specify that all purchases over a certain amount be approved by all partners? Are there any circumstances that would warrant a deviation from this policy?
2. What are some of the possible outcomes of this situation?
3. What is the accounts payable clerk’s responsibility in this situation?