According to the statistics, almost 33% of organizations see increased fraud from the previous year. When problems inside your company, such as embezzlement or the misuse of assets, go unchecked, it leaves you vulnerable to additional deceptive financial reporting, which may lead to the intervention of the IRS and a loss of income.

The only way to cut down on this waste is to put into practice tactics for detecting and managing fraud risk. Prevention of fraud is much simpler than recovery of damages caused by fraud. Thus, every business should have a strategy in place to mitigate fraud. Thankfully, financial wrongdoing may be avoided and uncovered with the help of forensic accounting services. It may be used to trace missing funds and recover illegally obtained currency.

Get to Know and Understand Your Team If You Want to Mitigate Fraud Efficiently

Employee fraud is typically committed by people who exhibit certain behavioral features. Employees may be monitored for signs of fraud risk by watching and listening to them at work to mitigate fraud healthily. Upper management must interact with and get to know their staff. A shift in perspective may often foreshadow trouble. Problems on the inside may also become apparent in this way. Employees may resort to employee fraud as an act of retaliation if, for instance, they feel unappreciated by the company owner or are angry with the supervisor. Any attitude change should lead you to pay special attention to that individual.

This might make the company a better, more efficient environment and make the workers happier. It may be instructive to hear what workers have to say. Think of a 20-year-old employee suddenly putting in 70 hours a week instead of 40 because two of their coworkers were let go. A talk with the employee shows that in addition to his new, higher schedule, his father lost his job, and his friend has moved into the employee's residence.

It is sad but true that the employee who commits the crime is frequently the one least suspected. Managing fraud risk is more than checking your team once in a while. It means getting to know your staff and keeping the lines of communication open.

Managing Fraud Risk Means Also Being in Control of Your Company

When it comes to managing fraud risk, as well as keeping track of the company's assets, internal controls are what you need to rely on. Separation of tasks is a crucial part of internal control that helps prevent fraud. Consider a small shop with only one cashier, salesman, and management. One worker should count the money and check the card receipts, another should fill out the deposit sheet, and a third should transport the deposit to the bank. This may expose any disparities in the collections.

A further internal check that might aid in preventing fraud is thorough documentation. If the preceding scenario were followed and the sales receipts were recorded, the company owner could check the records daily or weekly to ensure the money was deposited. In addition, make sure all checks and invoices are numbered sequentially. Put a "for deposit only" stamp on all bills, have two people sign any checks above a certain amount, and do not use a signature stamp.

It is essential to regularly review and update internal control processes to keep them functional and up-to-date with technology and other developments. Consider consulting an expert in this field if neither an internal control procedure nor an employee fraud prevention program could help you mitigate fraud. A specialist will evaluate current organizational practices, suggest new initiatives, and offer support throughout implementation.

Awareness and Trust

The awareness impacts all of the workers, and it helps you healthily mitigate fraud. The fraud risk policy, including the several forms of fraud and the repercussions for each, should be well-known across the company. Managerial oversight should serve as a deterrent for those considering fraudulent behavior. Even loyal workers who never steal from the company would benefit from knowing the warning indications of fraud. These personnel are assets in the battle against fraud. Over forty percent of workplace frauds are uncovered thanks to tips, as stated in the ACFE's 2014 Report.

Most suggestions come from inside the company, but outsiders such as customers, suppliers, rivals, and even the fraudster's social circle may be just as helpful. Establishing an anonymous reporting mechanism for workers who are reluctant to report problems to their bosses is recommended. Employees may report fraudulent conduct using a website keeping their identity private or by utilizing a tip hotline. While many professionals are out there, not all are good at managing fraud risk.

When looking for organizations or people to hire as accountants, fraud examiners, or other specialist experts, ensuring they have solid reputations established on excellent service and dependability is crucial. You can be confident that your data is safe and secure because of the thoroughness of the forensic studies, essential financial consulting services, and internal control audits you get.

Keep an Eye on Your Team’s Vacation Time and Embrace the Company's Ethos

You will be amazed by the workers who have never missed a day of work in years. These personnel may seem dedicated at first glance, but they may be hiding something and are afraid of being caught committing fraud if they are absent for an extended period. It is also good to give workers a taste of other departments and organizational tasks to mitigate fraud efficiently. In addition to allowing a second worker to assess the first's actions, this may also help uncover any fraud.

Moreover, workers are less likely to commit fraud or theft if they feel appreciated and supported. Fair hiring practices, a well-defined chain of command, and a well-documented set of norms are all essential. Since it encourages open contact between management and workers, an open-door policy may also be an effective strategy for managing fraud risk on the part of employees. Owners and upper management should set the tone for the company by taking responsibility for their acts and holding everyone responsible for their activities.