They are either:
1) Corrupt and running a scam.
2) Too prideful to admit they have been messing up for years.
3) Both???
The point is that they are duplicitous and not at all trusting or considerate of the flock. The flock exists to be managed by them. The flock are beneath them. Also, there is ZERO reason to keep any information about finances secret. Simply explain what you are doing and give dollar amounts, Unless you have something to hide, there is no reason for anything less than 100% transparency.
DD