Who is typically held accountable for property management in an organization?

The role of property custodians is central to effective property management within an organization. Property custodians are responsible for the oversight and safeguarding of specific assets and property. This entails ensuring that assets are properly maintained, tracked, and utilized in accordance with the organization's policies and regulations. They are often tasked with reporting any discrepancies or losses, conducting regular inventory checks, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and standards.

By being designated specifically for this duty, property custodians have a clear expectation of accountability. They possess a detailed understanding of the property they oversee, which enables them to make informed decisions about maintenance, allocation, and disposal of assets. This direct responsibility differentiates them from roles such as external auditors or finance managers, who may focus more broadly on compliance and financial reporting rather than on the day-to-day management of property. While department heads might also play a role in property management, their accountability is usually more indirect, relying on the custodians for execution of property-related tasks.