Using Analytics to Detect Possible Fraud: Tools and Techniques

Detailed tools and techniques for developing efficiency and effectiveness in forensic accounting

Using Analytics to Detect Possible Fraud: Tools and Techniques is a practical overview of the first stage of forensic accounting, providing a common source of analytical techniques used for both efficiency and effectiveness in forensic accounting investigations. The book is written clearly so that those who do not have advanced mathematical skills will be able to understand the analytical tests and use the tests in a forensic accounting setting. It also includes case studies and visual techniques providing practical application of the analytical tests discussed.

• Shows how to develop both efficiency and effectiveness in forensic accounting
• Provides information in such a way that non-practitioners can easily understand
• Written in plain language: advanced mathematical skills are not required
• Features actual case studies using analytical tests

Essential reading for every investor who wants to prevent financial fraud, Using Analytics to Detect Possible Fraud allows practitioners to focus on areas that require further investigative techniques and to unearth deceptive financial reporting before it's too late.

About the Author

Pamela S. Mantone, CPA, CFE, CFF, CITP, CGMA, FCPA, is a senior assurance manager of Joseph Decosimo and Company, PLLC, a leading regional accounting firm that provides multiple services to both businesses and individuals. She performs both audit and attestation services and forensic accounting services to various types of organizations. She also provides consulting services regarding implementation of fraud prevention and detection internal control systems, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. She manages and performs audits of internal control systems for various types of business entities.

In practicing in the areas of audit and attestation services, Ms. Mantone manages and supervises these services for financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, small businesses, and publicly traded companies. Her fraud and forensic services primarily relate to the gathering of forensic evidence and testifying to findings, with an emphasis on embezzlement and fraudulent financial statement reporting, along with her ability to find patterns in financial information suggesting possible fraudulent activity.

Ms. Mantone is also active in various professional societies. She participates in the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) high school liaison program, promoting accounting career choices to high school students. She is an active member of the TSCPA Forensic Valuation Services Committee. She currently services as an officer of the Chattanooga Chapter of the TSCPA. As an active member of the AICPA, she is a Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) champion for the state of Tennessee, promoting an accounting career choice and the opportunity of becoming a CFF to college students. She also serves on the ACFE Advisory Council, promoting educational resources for certified fraud examiners.

She makes presentations to various organizations on a variety of topics, including fraud and forensic techniques, internal control design and weaknesses, and auditing techniques. She also trains staff at her company in both auditing and forensic techniques. She is a well-known regional speaker and has been a presenter at the Tennessee FVS Conference for two years and for one year at the TSCPA Annual Conference. She has also made multiple presentations to the various local chapters of the TSCPA and has also presented at the 2012 Annual Consultant's Conference. Ms. Mantone has written numerous articles for local associations and had an article published in the January/ February 2013 issue of the ACFE's Fraud magazine relating to using analytical techniques in a case study involving embezzlement.