Accountant Fraud Prevention Assessment

Create a fraud prevention assessment for [Company Name].

Company details:
- Company: [name]
- Size: [employees/revenue]
- Industry: [type]
- Known vulnerabilities: [describe or unknown]
- Recent concerns: [describe or none]

FRAUD PREVENTION ASSESSMENT

FRAUD RISK BY AREA

1. CASH FRAUD RISKS

   SKIMMING (cash stolen before recorded)
   Risk level: [high/medium/low]
   Warning signs: [list]
   Prevention controls:
   ☐ Pre-numbered receipts for all cash sales
   ☐ Cash register tapes reconciled daily
   ☐ Surprise cash counts
   ☐ Customer receipts required
   ☐ Security cameras at point of sale

   LARCENY (cash stolen after recorded)
   Risk level: []
   Prevention controls:
   ☐ Daily deposits required
   ☐ Bank reconciliation by someone other than cash handler
   ☐ Two-person rule for large cash handling
   ☐ Bonding of employees handling cash

2. CHECK FRAUD RISKS
   Risk level: []
   Prevention:
   ☐ Positive pay with bank activated
   ☐ Check stock secured and accounted for
   ☐ Signatures reviewed before signing
   ☐ Dual signatures over $[amount]
   ☐ Cancelled checks reviewed

3. BILLING FRAUD
   Risk level: []
   Warning signs:
   - Invoices from unfamiliar vendors
   - Round dollar amounts
   - PO Box addresses
   - Vendor that matches employee info

   Prevention:
   ☐ Vendor approval process
   ☐ Periodic vendor file review
   ☐ Invoice matches PO and receiving
   ☐ Manager review of new vendors

4. PAYROLL FRAUD
   Risk level: []
   Schemes: [ghost employees, inflated hours, false expenses]
   Prevention:
   ☐ HR and payroll separated
   ☐ Supervisors approve all hours
   ☐ Payroll register reviewed before processing
   ☐ Annual employee verification

5. TECHNOLOGY FRAUD
   Risk level: []
   Risks: [phishing/wire fraud/ransomware]
   Prevention:
   ☐ Wire transfer verification by phone — always
   ☐ Email change of bank info — always call to verify
   ☐ Multi-factor authentication on all accounts
   ☐ Employee fraud training annually

FRAUD HOTLINE
- Anonymous reporting: [establish one]
- Culture of honesty: [tone at top]
- Prosecution policy: [document]

Note: Fraud prevention requires ongoing vigilance — periodic independent review recommended