Computer Forensics: An Important Tool for Uncovering Fraud

Alex Helfand, ENCE, Computer Forensic Specialist

In a world so dependent on technology, it is becoming more important than ever for computers to be investigated as part of accounting fraud cases.  It may be obvious to assume that when looking at a hard drive, an investigator will be able to see the files saved on the computer.  However, there is much more value to performing a computer forensic investigation than the aforementioned.

Recover Deleted Files
Someone committing fraud might believe they […]

CLOSING THE LOOPHOLE ON THE SALE OF VACATION HOMES

Brian Wynne, CPA

Memorial Day weekend may still be a month away, but as you daydream about your sunny-day beach house getaway, there may be some dark tax clouds looming over the horizon.  The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (signed into law on July 30, 2008) contained a rather onerous provision related to the sale of vacation homes.  You may no longer be able to use the $250,000 ($500,000 if married filing jointly) home sale exclusion to reduce […]

Where is Fraud Likely? – Part 10: Payroll Fraud

Lawrence R. Beebe, CPA, Principal

In this series, we are discussing specific areas where fraud might be likely to occur within an organization and the steps management can take to detect and prevent fraud.

Net Pay Does Not Tell the Whole Story

A company president took pride in signing the company’s pay checks.  He knew that owner-manager controls were important, so he looked carefully at each paycheck as he signed it and he knew what each person’s bet pay should be.  He […]

THE TAX MAN COMETH!

Like most tax professionals, I am relieved that April 15th has now come and gone.  As a member of the tax department here at Bond Beebe, tax compliance has been the center of my universe for the past three and a half months.  With many returns completed and the rest safely extended, my thoughts now turn to other areas of tax practice, including representing various clients in audits before the IRS and other state and local taxing authorities.  This […]

PRECISE RECORD KEEPING REQUIRED ON ALL CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

Glenn Bailey, CPA

There have recently been a series of cases decided by the Tax Courts disallowing charitable contributions due to a lack of proper documentation about them. The rules here (under Code Section 170(f)(8)) are precise and strict:

Contributions of $250 or more must be supported by a written acknowledgement from the recipient organization dated prior to your return filing that states the amount of cash contributed and/or a description of any property other than cash,
A statement […]

Where is Fraud Likely? – Part 9: Check Fraud

Lawrence R. Beebe, CPA,

In this series, we are discussing specific areas where fraud might be likely to occur within an organization and the steps management can take to detect and prevent fraud.

Two Signatures on a Check May Be No Better than One

Many entities insist that every check have two signatures.  It is an excellent internal control if it works properly.  Don’t be fooled into thinking, however, that two signatures are always better than one.

Take the following scenario:  a bookkeeper […]

Where is Fraud Likely? – Part 8:Repeat Offenders

Lawrence R. Beebe, CPA, Principal

In this series, we are discussing specific areas where fraud might be likely to occur within an organization and the steps management can take to detect and prevent fraud.

The Petty Thief Always Gets Greedy

A person is caught stealing small amounts from a company.  The perpetrator confesses and asks for another chance at the same job.  The company president feels sorry for the individual and agrees.  Is this a smart move?

There is a chance that the […]

PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THOSE OVER 70 AND A HALF YEARS OLD

Glenn Bailey, CPA

A client asked me the other day if she should contribute to her Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan since she was almost 70 and a half and would just have to take required minimum distributions (RMD) soon.  “Why bother when I just have to take it back out?” she asked, “unless there is an exception because I am still earning at quite a hefty level – for a girl anyway.”
Explaining the Pension Options
So I explained the options […]

Cherry Blossoms and Family Business Blossoming Time

Posting by Geoffrey D. Brown, CPA, Principal

Spring is here in Washington, DC and that means it time for the famous cherry blossoms.  I only bring it up as this is probably the best weather we’ve had for the cherry trees in a good ten years, with four perfect spring days at the height of the blossoms.  So, if you’re in the DC area, this is a good year to try to try to see them, along with throngs of […]

Where is Fraud Likely? – Part 7: “Closed” Accounts

Lawrence R. Beebe, CPA

In this series, we are discussing specific areas where fraud might be likely to occur within an organization and the steps management can take to detect and prevent fraud.

The Auditor Can’t Find What Isn’t on the Books

Anytime a fraud occurs, someone is bound to ask “where were the auditors?”  Many times the auditor should have suspected or caught the fraud.  There are circumstances, however, where it is almost impossible to find the fraudulent conduct.  One of […]