Feeling Trapped: How Do I Prove My Innocence in a Job Role I Never Signed Up For?

I joined an MNC as a customer relationship executive through a third-party organization. As per my appointment letter, my job was to serve the customer and sales. However, my manager assigned me the task of handling stock and cash, which wasn't mentioned in my appointment letter.

After a few months, my manager left the job, and a new manager was appointed. During the appointment of the new manager, they conducted a stock audit and cash audit. They found that there was a shortage in stock and cash. It was not correct when I took the responsibility, and I don't have any proof to show the stock was already low before I joined the firm. Now they have stopped my salary. When I asked my manager, he said he can't help with this issue. My HR said they can't help either. What can I do now?

Clarifying Your Situation and Seeking Assistance

I had difficulty understanding your situation initially. Nevertheless, please answer the following questions to help us assist you:

Do you still have a copy of your appointment letter duly signed and sealed?

What is your qualification? Do you have any prior experience in stock management?

Who was handling stock management before the responsibility was handed over to you?

Was there a proper handover of stock and cash delegated to you? Did you physically check and verify both stock and cash?

Do you have any written communication from the senior/manager/previous executive who was handling stock and cash regarding your new responsibilities, handover, cash, and stock statements, etc.?

Have you consulted senior management to whom the previous stock management executive used to report? They might have closing and opening balances right from the beginning.

Looking at your situation, it is hard to believe that despite so many tools available to verify, your management is unable to help you. It is hard to believe that an MNC can have such a situation.

Appointment Letter and Responsibilities

Do you still have a copy of your appointment letter duly signed and sealed?
Ans: Yes, I have.

Qualifications and Experience

What is your qualification? Did you have any prior experience in stock management?
Ans: B.Sc., No experience in stock management.

Previous Stock Management

Who was handling stock management before the responsibility was handed over to you?
Ans: There was no specific person before.

Handover and Verification

Was a proper handover of stock and cash delegated to you? Did you physically check and verify both stock and cash?
Ans: Yes, I verified the stock, but there is no proof like mail or paper document.

Written Communication

Do you have any written communication from the senior/manager/previous executive who was handling stock and cash regarding your new responsibilities, handover, cash and stock statements, etc.?
Ans: No.

Consultation with Senior Management

Have you consulted senior management to whom the previous stock management executive used to report? They might have closing and opening balances right from the beginning.
Ans: Yes, the audit team came at the time of my relieving and found a shortage in stock, but those shortage items were not accounted for during my work period. Those items were not available at the time of my joining.