CFO Series: CFO or Detective? Running Skillful Investigation

Overview

CFOs are on the front line of managing risk within the organization, often including investigations into suspected theft or fraud. Fraud investigations are not an accounting audit. Many lack the training needed to conduct a fair and legal investigation. This course will provide the essential knowledge and skills to conduct successful internal investigations. The goal is to ensure that when a case is referred to law enforcement or results in other legal action, the findings will be admissible and robust. How can we respect the rights of all parties involved, preserve evidence, conduct proper surveillance, and distinguish between company materials and individual property? Proper investigations are intricate. Be aware of the risk to the organization and to the investigating team. The goal is to lead and plan internal investigations with confidence and legal integrity. Be aware and be prepared.

Prerequisites

At least six (6) months of professional financial statement analysis experience and at least 6 months in a professional environment.

Objectives

After attending this presentation, you will be able to...

• Identify the proper process to conduct an internal investigation.
• Comprehend the risks, legal issues and pitfalls involved with an internal investigation

Highlights

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:

• What is an investigation, and when is it warranted?
• How to prepare for an investigation.  
  • Who should conduct it? 
  • Defining the boundaries.
• When to outsource vs conduct the investigation internally?
• Evidence collection and preservation.
  • The paper and data trail.
  • Witness statements.
• Employee rights during investigations.
• Investigative techniques (data analytics, surveillance, interviews).
• Reporting results.
• When to take the next step – the legal process.