Entries by cheryl

Are you a victim of payroll fraud?

Payroll fraud is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for businesses of all sizes. In this blog post, we’ll explore what it is, how it happens, and what you can do to prevent it. What is Payroll Fraud? Payroll fraud is a type of white-collar crime that involves the manipulation of a company’s […]

How Common is Fraud in an HOA?

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are typically formed by residents of a particular community.  The community shares common spaces and facilities such as swimming pools, parks, and clubhouses. The HOA is responsible for maintaining these common areas and ensuring that all residents adhere to certain rules and regulations designed to promote community harmony. While HOAs can be […]

The Importance of Cost Accounting Standards

What are Cost Accounting Standards?  Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) are important because they promote a better understanding of costing as a whole, and exist to ensure consistency and uniformity in cost accounting practices. Having a system of standards and practices every government contractor can follow, ensures that investors and stakeholders can depend on the information […]

Investigating Employee Embezzlement

Employee embezzlement is, unfortunately, a frequent occurrence in the workplace and often goes unnoticed for months or even years. Both outright stolen and mishandled funds can constitute embezzlement and lead to significant financial losses for your company or business.  What Is Employee Embezzlement? Employee embezzlement is when an entrusted person steals from the business they […]

How a Forensic Accountant Can Help with Homeowner Association Fraud

Homeowner associations can be wonderful. They allow for community building, upkeep, and beautification of shared spaces and entire neighborhoods, and can increase property value. However, they do come with the risk of possible homeowner association fraud. Homeowner association fraud happens when funds are used inappropriately, irresponsibly, or even criminally. It’s important to be informed about—and […]

Types of Audit Services

So you or your company is being audited. You might be tempted to run and hide, or even avoid it — but don’t. If your financial records are in order, an audit can be highly beneficial. Defining Audits Although audits inspire fear, they don’t have to. In the simplest terms, audits are an objective examination […]

Not Reporting Cash Income: Cash-Only Businesses

Most businesses earn a modest income, even after-tax payments to the IRS. Still, there are many questions around businesses that conduct sales through a currency-only exchange. In fact, there’s often a heightened curiosity for cash-only type businesses across the United States. Namely, is it legal to accept only cash and what happens when they’re investigated? […]

When does an HOA need a forensic audit?

Homeowner associations (HOA) and condominium associations (CA) are legal entities set up to manage the operations and finances on behalf of the owners. Typically, the management team (administrator) selected to run the HOA or CA is comprised of other homeowners or condo owners. If a lot of thought was put into the selection criteria, then the administrators […]

Fraud starts with lack of ethics

The bright line in ethics Ethics means Ethics is your moral code. Its your values, your sense of right or wrong. Its the principles you live by. However, ethics has degrees based on one’s values and principles. Ethical conduct does not always equate to following the rules. Breaking the law a little is the same […]

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Forensic accountants confirm worst suspicions

  When a client voiced strong suspicions that her soon-to-be ex-husband was hiding assets, her attorney investigated the claim but found nothing amiss. However, he hired a forensic accounting expert to help ensure his client would receive an equitable share of the marital estate. The expert turned up a trunkload of hidden treasure — undeclared […]