How we help

Occupational fraud and abuse are growing risks for all organizations and require experts who can help to minimize exposure. If not properly managed, the risks can have serious consequences in terms of financial loss, business performance, staff morale, negative publicity or regulatory infringement. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that enterprises lose at least 5% of their turnover to occupational fraud and abuse annually. The risks increase in times of economic hardships, where there are weak controls, and where fraud can be rationalized—(fraud triangle).

ERM takes an integrated approach to fraud risk management, designed to help prevent, detect and/or investigate fraud. We use our forensic expertise together with our accounting, auditing and investigation skills to deliver a clear independent opinion.

Prevention

The first line of defense in fraud prevention is an assessment of the internal control environment. This is done to identify areas of fraud risk.

Focusing resources on critical areas of the organization, we first determine areas where exposure is greatest and then assess the existing preventive mechanisms while identifying control gaps or deficiencies. Understanding these deficiencies allows us to find cost-effective solutions to address weaknesses and reduce exposures.

Detection

If an act of fraud is suspected, a prompt and comprehensive investigation should be conducted by experienced investigators with a knowledge of the criminal process. We have expertise to carry out such investigations.

Focus areas

Fraud prevention services:

  • We identify areas of internal and external fraud exposure through risk assessment
  • We report internal control gaps that allow fraud incidents to go undetected
  • We assist in developing fraud awareness and prevention systems to reduce client exposures.

Fraud detection services:

  • We perform in depth investigations, including evidence collection.
  • We provide guidance and oversight of the documentation, evidence gathering and interview phases to ensure legal and best practice compliance
  • Where required and practical, we quantify and summarize the financial losses incurred
  • Where required and practical, we trace the proceeds of fraud
  • We report on findings