Category: News Roundup

These are brief synopses of news items that have been covered by other sites. They include a few paragraphs and a link to the fully contained article on another site.

SEC Whistleblower program

SEC Awards Record Whistleblower Award for ‘Extraordinary’ Action

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced a record award to an unnamed whistleblower for providing information leading to a successful enforcement action against securities law violations. The SEC said, in a statement, that the whistleblower took “extraordinary” actions to bring the wrongdoing to light. The $114 million award consists of Read More

assessing sexual harassment risk

Tips for Assessing Sexual Harassment Risk Within Organizations

Regardless of the level of media focus on the issue of sexual harassment, it is important for an internal auditor to maintain a neutral mindset with respect to their involvement with the company harassment system. This is called “applying skepticism.” In this setting, internal auditors should be more concerned with Read More

questions arise over auditor deaths

Suspicious Deaths of Four Liberian Internal Auditors Spark Outrage

Reports of the suspicious deaths of four public-sector internal auditors in Liberia are sending shock waves through the internal auditing profession amid calls for greater investigation into the circumstances of the incidents. Occurring over eight days, from October 3-10, the four deaths involved Emmanuel Barten Nyeswua, director general, Liberia Internal Read More

online training scholarships

AuditBoard Partners with IIA to Offer Training Scholarships to Internal Auditors

Software provider AuditBoard is teaming up with the Institute of Internal Auditors to provide some relief for members of the internal audit profession who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus crisis. The two organizations announced the launch of a $500,000 scholarship program to provide access to training and educational Read More

bribery

Asset Managers Committed Insider Trading, Audit Discovers

Key management personnel at Franklin Templeton Asset Management, based in India, committed wrongdoings including insider trading, a forensic audit conducted by Choksi & Choksi finds. Managers redeemed personal investments for a profit before the company announced it had closed six debt schemes in April of this year, Moneycontrol reports. “Clearly, Read More

BDO: Boards Increasing Financial Disclosures in 2020

Public companies’ board members are focusing more this year on the communication and transparency of financial reporting and disclosures, the new 2020 Board Pulse Survey from BDO reports. Of the 280 public company board members surveyed, 73 percent say they have increased disclosures around new and emerging risks to their Read More

Austin Audit Finds Employee Stole $1.3 Million in Supplies

The Austin, Texas, Office of the City Auditor uncovered a $1.3 million theft scheme conducted by its former director of libraries, who used his city credit card to purchase printer toner and resell it online, the Austin Monitor reports. The employee also purchased electronics and home goods for his personal Read More

NYC Audit Uncovers $1.4 Billion in Unpaid Fines

An audit conducted by the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) uncovered $1.4 billion in unpaid fines, Gothamist reports. This includes $782 million in fines issued by the city’s Environmental Control Board for infractions such as uncleaned streets, health and building code violations, and illegal street vending, water disposal, Read More

Professional Skepticism

Professional Skepticism Essential in Avoiding and Detecting Fraud

Professional skepticism by auditors, finance professionals, and all participants in the financial reporting supply chain is crucial for the deterrence and detection of fraud, a new report from the Anti-Fraud Collaboration says. Organizations must critically assess potential fraud risks and be aware of potential biases that can lead to criminal Read More