Effective systems of internal control are as essential to volunteer organizations as they are to business entities, yet the issue ranks low on the priority list of most not-for-profit groups. As a result, internal auditors who serve in such organizations have a special and essential role to play. Internal auditors possess valuable knowledge and experience that can help prevent volunteer organizations from being victimized by embezzlement or the misuse of funds. A look at some of the typical control problems may prompt internal auditors to become involved in their organizations' accounting processes and help head off potential problems.