GreerWalker to help nonprofits fight fraud

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Sept. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- (Charlotte, N.C.) – Charlotte-based CPA firm GreerWalker is sponsoring a free seminar on fraud prevention for nonprofit executive directors, CFOs and board chairs and members on Thursday, September 25, at The Duke Mansion starting at 8:30 a.m.  According to research conducted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the typical organization loses 5% of annual revenues to fraud each year.

The 2.5 hour seminar, for all types of not-for-profits, will examine fraud detection and deterrence as well as particular fraud schemes that have occurred at NFPs while explaining how to improve internal controls in order to reduce risk.  Robust internal controls are the key to reducing fraud.

Participants will be able to review checklists and other information to ensure that corporate governance practices are effective and efficient.  Because board members of nonprofits are at risk for litigation if they do not meet their fiduciary responsibilities, legal issues will also be discussed.

Speakers include William A. “Andy” Barbee, director of GreerWalker's Litigation and Forensic Services Practice; Special Agent Douglas Curran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Dianne Chipps Bailey, an attorney with Robinson Bradshaw, whose practice area is dedicated to the representation of nonprofit organizations, their senior management and volunteer leaders.

According to the “Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse 2014 Global Fraud Study“ issued by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, fraud frequency in nonprofit organizations increased by 12 percent between 2010 and 2014 while the median loss amount jumped by 20 percent to $108,000. “As a result, it is definitely something nonprofit executives and board members need to be concerned about,“ Barbee says.

Barbee has worked in litigation, business valuation, forensic accounting, fraud investigation, bankruptcy and restructuring for more than two decades. He consults with counsel and has prepared expert reports on a wide range of issues, including damage calculations, business valuation, shareholder disputes, solvency analysis, fraud investigations, preferential/fraudulent conveyances and viability analysis. He has a B.A. in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and a Masters of Accounting from Florida International University.

Curran has a deep history in law enforcement and formerly worked as a senior consultant with Arthur Anderson.  He holds a BBA in operations management from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Miami University.

Bailey has extensive experience advising a diverse group of nonprofits in all aspects of their organization, administration and management.  She has a particular interest in corporate governance and tax compliance.

She holds a B.A., with high honors, from the University of California, Berkeley and a J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University.

To register for the event, contact Gunda Knese at gunda.knese@greerwalker.com or call 704-377-0239.

About GreerWalker

Founded in Charlotte in 1984, GreerWalker provides assurance, accounting, tax and business advisory services to a diversified client base of privately held middle-market companies doing business throughout the Carolinas and around the world. Affiliates include GreerWalker Wealth Management and GreerWalker Corporate Finance. For more information about the firm, call 704-377-0239 or visit greerwalker.com.

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