The Vital Role of Seamless Internal Communications When occupational fraud occurs within an organization, it is not a surprise that the root cause of the fraud was due to deficient internal controls. However, what does “internal controls” mean to all parties involved at an organization? Accountants should know what “internal controls” are, but does this concept resonate with the personnel within the sales or operations departments? Perhaps not. This article discusses the importance of having all members of the organization involved in the internal control process. Internal Communication and its Impact on Fraud Prevention When occupational fraud occurs within an…
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First Steps in the Fraud Investigation The first steps in a fraud investigation are crucial to setting the tone and can set the stage for a successful, or lack thereof, investigation. This article details the first steps a company should take when initiating a fraud investigation, what experts will be necessary to uncover illicit behavior, and what parties need to be notified. Introduction Fraud is a pervasive issue that affects businesses, organizations, and individuals across various industries. Often, an organization is surprised to find itself a victim of fraud, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted employee. According to the…