Internal Control/Anti-Fraud Program Design for the Small Business - (Wiley Corporate F&a) by Steve Dawson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book covers all elements of an internal control structure applicable to the small business community. It is intended for those businesses for which the Sarbanes-Oxley Act does not apply (non-public businesses). Fraud cases are used throughout the book that provide an analysis of the internal control weaknesses that led to a specific fraud. Each case study also includes relevant controls that could have served to reduce the probability of the occurrence of the fraud. The controls are then summarized according to the five elements of an internal control structure for purpose of assisting in documenting the ultimate anti-fraud program. The steps provided in this book provide readers with a "how to" design and implement an effective and efficient internal control structure/anti-fraud program tailored to their specific needs"--

Book Synopsis

A how-to guide to small business anti-fraud protection and internal control

Internal Control/Anti-Fraud Program Design for the Small Business is a practical guide to protection for businesses NOT subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Written by an expert with three decades of forensic investigation experience, this book is geared specifically toward private, non-public small businesses and their unique needs in the realm of fraud protection. Covering all elements of an internal control structure applicable to the small business community, this guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for designing and implementing an effective, efficient internal control structure/anti-fraud program tailored to your business's particular needs. Case studies are used throughout to illustrate internal control weaknesses and the fraud that can result, and follow-up analysis describes the controls that would have reduced the probability of fraud had they been in place. You'll learn how to analyze your company's internal control issues, and implement a robust system for fraud prevention.

Guidance toward Sarbanes-Oxley compliance is readily available, but there is little information available for the many businesses not subject to the act --until now. This book is the step-by-step guide for instituting an internal control program tailored to your small business.

• Understand the five elements of internal control
• Avoid gaps in protection with relevant controls
• Design the ultimate anti-fraud program
• Implement internal control tailored to your needs

The majority of small business owners simply do not know the elements of or implementation process involved in internal control, and Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines don't necessarily scale down. Internal Control/Anti-Fraud Program Design for the Small Business helps you design and install the internal control/anti-fraud protection your business needs.

From the Back Cover

Internal Control/Anti-Fraud Program Design for the Small Business offers a much-needed and practical guide for designing and implementing an internal control and anti-fraud program that meets the needs of private, nonpublic small businesses that are not subject to the complex Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In it, author and forensic accounting expert Steve Dawson shows how to construct an effective and efficient anti-fraud program that relies on simple practicality.

Step by step, the author outlines the six elements of an effective anti-fraud program design--anti-fraud environment, fraud risk assessment, control activities, information, communication, and monitoring and routine maintenance. Dawson reveals how each of the six elements combine to create a solid framework built on reliable internal controls that are proven fraud deterrents.

The myriad illustrations and compelling cases presented in Internal Control/Anti-Fraud Program Design for the Small Business provide an analysis of the internal control weaknesses that can lead to fraudulent behavior. Dawson also explores the relevant controls that serve to reduce the probability of the occurrence of fraud. The controls are summarized according to the five elements of an internal control structure so that leaders can learn how to document their anti-fraud programs.

Dawson includes the information and strategies needed for companies to monitor and maintain their business for compliance with their anti-fraud program. He stresses the vital importance of assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of an anti-fraud program. All programs are fluid and need to be updated as changes in operational aspects of the business change. The proper monitoring of an established program will show where to direct routine maintenance.

Using this book as a guide, any small business can create a sound, well-thought-out anti-fraud program specifically tailored to its needs.

About the Author

STEVE DAWSON, CPA, CFE, is president and founder of Dawson Forensic Group, a firm devoted to the investigation of fraud and the education of the small business community in internal control/anti-fraud program design and implementation. For the past thirty years, he has performed forensic investigations and related forensic services for various businesses and agencies. He is a nationally recognized speaker in fraud detection, prevention, and internal control design methodologies. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Accounting and holds a certified public accountant certificate in Texas as well as a certificate as a certified fraud examiner.