The Aadit Report and Internal Control Evaluation
To: Management From: / Staff Accountant Date: December 19, 2012 Re: Internal Accountant’s Report to Management
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This report contains the supporting information to perform a full financial status review of our company, before the upcoming government contract bid. This report will cover the possible impacts that occupational fraud and abuse will have on the company, U.S. Governmental oversight of accounting fraud and abuse, and potential corruption schemes within the company. Impact of Occupational Fraud and Abuse To understand the impact of occupational fraud and abuse, it must be defined. Occupational fraud is a crime committed by employees against their employer. Occupational fraud accounts for almost 5% of all the economic losses suffered by most companies. The percentage discussed may be higher; however most occupational fraud goes undetected for yeas or the offenders quit prior to being caught (Mulford & Comiskey, Chapter 16, 2003). Occupational Fraud impacts a company’s bottom line, reputation, employee productivity, and possibility of business continuity or security within a given industry. Another impact of occupational fraud is a company’s increased desire to prevent or deter fraud; which can also be cumbersome. Fraud is a crime of opportunity, fueled by greed and rationalization (Latshaw, Craig A, 2003). The penalties for fraud are usually not a deterrent from the crime, as most of those committing the crimes do not believe they will get caught. The solution to occupational fraud starts with making sure that there are internal controls in place that make it more difficult for fraud to occur. Periodic audits may be a deterrent, but the main deterrent is to set reasonable standards, work policies, and pay the may eliminate the rationalization of defrauding an
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This report contains the supporting information to perform a full financial status review of our company, before the upcoming government contract bid. This report will cover the possible impacts that occupational fraud and abuse will have on the company, U.S. Governmental oversight of accounting fraud and abuse, and potential corruption schemes within the company. Impact of Occupational Fraud and Abuse To understand the impact of occupational fraud and abuse, it must be defined. Occupational fraud is a crime committed by employees against their employer. Occupational fraud accounts for almost 5% of all the economic losses suffered by most companies. The percentage discussed may be higher; however most occupational fraud goes undetected for yeas or the offenders quit prior to being caught (Mulford & Comiskey, Chapter 16, 2003). Occupational Fraud impacts a company’s bottom line, reputation, employee productivity, and possibility of business continuity or security within a given industry. Another impact of occupational fraud is a company’s increased desire to prevent or deter fraud; which can also be cumbersome. Fraud is a crime of opportunity, fueled by greed and rationalization (Latshaw, Craig A, 2003). The penalties for fraud are usually not a deterrent from the crime, as most of those committing the crimes do not believe they will get caught. The solution to occupational fraud starts with making sure that there are internal controls in place that make it more difficult for fraud to occur. Periodic audits may be a deterrent, but the main deterrent is to set reasonable standards, work policies, and pay the may eliminate the rationalization of defrauding an
References: Latshaw, Craig A. (2003). Fraudulent financial reporting: the government and accounting profession react. Retrieved from Latshaw, Craig A., ACC-556 Forensic Accounting website. Mulford, C. W., & Comiskey, E. E. (2003). The financial numbers game. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Wells, J. T. (2011). Principles of fraud examination (3rd ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.