The following control activities are used in Sheera's Boutique Shoppe Ltd. for cash payments:

1. Blank cheques are stored in an unmarked envelope on a shelf behind the cash register.

2. The purchasing manager personally approves payments for purchases and signs the cheques issued to pay suppliers.

3. When the store manager goes away for an extended period of time, she pre-signs cheques to be used in her absence.

4. The company cheques are not prenumbered.

5. The company accountant prepares the bank reconciliation and reports any discrepancies to the store manager.

Instructions

(a) For each of the above situations, explain the weakness and identify the control activity that is violated.

(b) For each weakness, suggest an improvement.