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Forensic Accounting MSA 220I. Professor Bill O’Brien. Today’s Topics. Fraud Overview Why Fraud. Fraud Overview. Seriousness of fraud Definition of fraud Types of fraud Criminal versus civil statutes Fraud-related careers. Remember the “P” in CPA. The public trust is essential
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Forensic AccountingMSA 220I Professor Bill O’Brien FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Today’s Topics • Fraud Overview • Why Fraud FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Fraud Overview • Seriousness of fraud • Definition of fraud • Types of fraud • Criminal versus civil statutes • Fraud-related careers FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Remember the “P” in CPA • The public trust is essential • You have only one reputation FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Cost of Fraud • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) • Close to $1.0 trillion annually in U.S.; close to $3.0 trillion worldwide • Over 7% of revenue…straight to the bottom line FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
How Does Fraud Impact You? • Financially • Reputation of your firm • Opportunity cost FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Here’s What Happens... • It is a dollar for dollar impact on net income • Dollars that have a multiplier effect on revenue in order to generate new profits FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Defining Fraud • A statement • Which is a lie, • And intentionally or recklessly so, • About a material point, • Which is believed • And acted upon by the victim • To the victim’s damage • Let examine each highlighted term SLIMBAD FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
What Drives Fraud • Consider the Ponzi Fraud of the early 20th Century • See www.mark-knutson.com • Primary age of fraudsters--36-45 yrs. • Key drivers • Confidence earned • Pressures • Greed FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Classifications of Fraud • Fraud versus an organization • Occupational fraud • Fraud on behalf of an organization FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Occupational Fraud • Clandestine • Violates fiduciary interest • Direct or indirect financial benefit • Damages the organization FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Fraud on Behalf of an Organization • Most common…fraudulent financial reporting FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
A More Detailed Classification List • Occupational fraud…embezzlement • Management fraud • Investment scams • Vendor fraud • Customer fraud • Know the table on WSA pg. 10 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Examples... • Embezzlement: CVC • Management: World-com • Investment: see scams • Vendor: Halliburton; • Customer: Florida State football player and department store; bank case FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Prosecution • Criminal law for public offenses • Bribery laws • Anti Kickback Act of 1986 • Mail Fraud statutes • Bank Fraud statutes • RICO and FCPA • IRS and tax evasion • Civil law for violations of private rights • Note the comparative table on p. 15 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Fraud Related Careers • ACFE and CFE requirements • Government • FBI, Postal Inspectors, IRS • Public accounting • Forensic accountants • Corporation • Internal auditors • Consulting • Lawyers • Expert witnesses FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Critical Skills • Analytical • Communication • Technological • Accounting and law • Language • Behavioral • Common sense FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Why Fraud? • Who commits fraud • The fraud triangle • Pressures • Opportunity and control issues • Rationalization • Power and influence…collusion FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Who Commits Fraud? • In essence…you and I FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Why Commit Fraud? • The fraud triangle • Situational pressures • Available opportunities • Personal integrity (rationalization) FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Situational Pressures • Financial • Vice • Work related • Other pressures • The thrill or challenge • Extraordinary circumstances “Every man has his price, and he was getting close to mine.” Abraham Lincoln, on throwing a lobbyist out of his office FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Available Opportunities • COSO’s elements of control • Control environment • Appropriate systems • Procedures and activities • Note the information in Albrecht FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Control Environment • Management example • Management communication • Hiring practices • Organizational structure • Effective internal audit department or similar oversight FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Procedures & Activities • Segregation of duties • System of authorizations • Independent checks • Physical safeguards • Documents and records FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Factors That Promote Fraud • Outcomes that are difficult to evaluate • Failure to discipline • Complexity or lack of access to information • Apathy • Missing or non-existent audit trail FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Rationalization • Pathological lying • “Everyone does it.” • See the list on page 50 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013
Power and Influence • Different types…see pg. 53 • Influences co-conspirator • Knowledge may protect us and assist in investigation FORENSIC ACCOUNTING - MSA 220I – Spring 2013