Fraud Prevention Tip #30: Create an Anti-Fraud Presentation for Delivery by Every Supervisor

Auditors are expected to master many skills – including communications, data testing, cause diagnosis, and motivation. But are these expectations reasonable? Is it fair to assume that every internal auditor should be a master at surfacing hidden problems and unexplored opportunities? And when issues are identified, is it really the auditor’s job to convince managers to act? Unfortunately for many auditors who are unprepared, most executives believe that the answer to these questions is a resounding “Yes!” This seminar teaches participants how to enhance the likelihood that the real cause of issues is identified – while dramatically increasing the probability that the management team will take corrective action.

Help every supervisor train their team by giving them the “train-the-trainer” tools they will need to successfully share the anti-fraud message with their subordinates. Presentation aids should include: suggested agenda, the CEO call-to-action video, supervisor talking points, presentation slides (PowerPoint or similar with talking points for each), and relevant handout materials (brainstorming guides, Hotline materials, how-to articles).

Here’s an example agenda to get you started:

• What do we mean by wrongdoing and fraud (tailored to the organization’s fraud exposures – not necessarily a legal definition)
• Who commits fraud and why they do it
• Our new Policy on Fraud Responsibilities (positive, inclusive call to action)
• Relevant example of risks in our department (theft, results reporting, shadow deals)
• Brief risk brainstorming group exercise (with handout)
• Reporting options (include Hotline: how it works and who answers the calls)
• Expectations in our work group (distribute supervisor’s tailored Expectations)
• Frequently asked questions and guidance on suggested answers
• Open discussion
• Call to Action and Next Steps

Help supervisors spread the news and recruit their team into your Anti-Fraud Campaign. Make it easy for them to lead a discussion. Give them the tools or offer to come out and present with them.

John J. Hall, CPA

John J. Hall, CPA, is an author, speaker and results expert who presents around the world at conventions, corporate meetings and association events. Throughout his 35-year career as a business consultant, corporate executive and professional speaker, John has helped organizations and individuals achieve measurable results. He inspires audience members in corporations, not-for-profit organizations and professional associations to step up, take action and “do what you can.”