CFE-Fraud-Prevention-and-Deterrence Exam Dumps - ACFE Certified Fraud Examiner Questions and Answers

Corporate Governance in Multinational Corporations:

Multinational corporations must adhere to the legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks of each jurisdiction in which they operate. These frameworks may vary significantly across countries.

Why Other Options are Incorrect:

B: There is no Universal Corporate Governance Act applicable globally.

C: G20/OECD Principles provide guidelines but are not mandatory compliance requirements.

D: Operating in multiple jurisdictions increases governance complexity, but does not exempt corporations from compliance.

Why A is Correct:

It reflects the reality of multinational operations, where governance compliance must align with local laws and regulations​​.

References for All Questions:

ACFE and Treadway Commission fraud prevention guidelines​​.

ISSAI standards and international governance principles​​.

COSO framework and legal requirements for multinational corporations​​.

Impartiality in Fraud Risk Assessment:

As the lead on the fraud risk assessment, Glenda must maintain objectivity and avoid the appearance of bias.

Her history of disagreements with Bridgette creates a potential conflict of interest, which could compromise the assessment's credibility.

Why Option D is Correct:

Assigning the accounts receivable department's assessment to another individual eliminates the risk of perceived or actual bias.

Analysis of Other Options:

A. Confrontation: Not appropriate during a professional assessment.

B. Including disagreements: Personal conflicts should not influence risk evaluations.

C. Automatic high-risk designation: This lacks a factual basis and undermines objectivity.

Conclusion:Option D ensures objectivity and credibility in the fraud risk assessment.

References:ACFE guidelines on objectivity in fraud risk assessment​​.

Internal Auditor's Role in Fraud Risk Management:

Internal auditors are not directly responsible for establishing or maintaining anti-fraud controls (Option D). This responsibility lies with management.

They are also not responsible for obtaining reasonable assurance that financial statements are free of fraud (Option A). This is the role of external auditors.

Oversight of management's fraud risk actions (Option B) is primarily a governance role, not the auditor's direct responsibility.

Internal auditors focus on identifying and assessing fraud risks, evaluating controls, and recommending further action when necessary.

Conclusion:Option C aligns with the internal auditor's responsibilities as per the standards outlined in the ACFE's fraud risk management framework.

References:ACFE documentation on internal auditing responsibilities and fraud risk assessments​​.

The Treadway Commission emphasizes improving internal controls, which include strengthening the internal audit function. Providing adequate resources and authority to the internal audit function ensures that it operates independently and effectively, which is critical for preventing and detecting fraud. The internal audit function can evaluate financial reporting systems, detect irregularities, and provide valuable recommendations for improvement. This recommendation aligns with the goal of reducing fraud and ensuring reliable financial reporting.

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ACFE research consistently shows that tips are the most common method for detecting occupational fraud. Organizations often rely on whistleblowing mechanisms such as hotlines to encourage employees and other stakeholders to report suspected fraud, which makes tips the most effective fraud detection tool.

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Tone at the Top:

Management must set a strong example by adhering to the same ethical standards as employees.

Visible adherence builds trust and reinforces an anti-fraud culture.

Analysis of Other Options:

A. Checklist of initiatives: Helpful but insufficient by itself.

B. Dissuading challenges: This is counterproductive, as it discourages transparency and accountability.

D. All of the above: Incorrect, as Option B is detrimental to an anti-fraud culture.

Conclusion:Visibly adhering to ethics policies is the most effective action.

References:ACFE resources on fostering an ethical organizational culture​​.

Hierarchy of Ethical Guidance Sources:

A. Contract law: Provides legal guidance on business agreements.

C. ACFE Code of Professional Ethics: Offers specific ethical standards for fraud examiners.

D. Philosophical principles: Offer foundational guidance on ethics.

B. Family and friends: While valuable for personal advice, they are the lowest reference point in determining professional ethics.

Conclusion:Guidance from family and friends is the lowest level of reference for determining ethical actions.

References:ACFE standards on ethical decision-making​​.

Responsibility for Anti-Fraud Program Effectiveness:

Management holds ultimate responsibility for designing, implementing, and maintaining an effective anti-fraud program.

Internal and external auditors, as well as compliance functions, provide oversight and recommendations but are not directly responsible for the program's effectiveness.

Conclusion:Management is ultimately accountable for ensuring the success of the anti-fraud program.

References:ACFE guidelines on fraud risk governance and management roles​​.

Allowing employees to report fraud anonymously is a best practice in fraud reporting programs. This encourages whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation or reprisal, increasing the likelihood of fraud detection. Transparency about confidentiality policies further supports employee trust in the reporting system.

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Overview of Compliance Programs:An effective compliance program requires clear communication, enforcement, and promotion of ethical standards within an organization. Promoting compliance involves setting up positive incentives, such as rewards for ethical behavior, to encourage adherence to policies and regulations.

Role of Incentives:

Incentives serve as motivators for employees to align with the compliance culture. Examples include bonuses for meeting compliance goals, recognition for ethical behavior, and career advancement opportunities tied to compliance performance.

The U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations emphasize that for a compliance program to be effective, it must include incentives to encourage proper behavior and discipline to deter violations.

Supporting Reference Materials:

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) highlights the importance of integrating incentives into compliance programs. These incentives are seen as essential for fostering a culture of ethics and preventing fraud.

Industry standards and frameworks, such as COSO’s "Internal Control - Integrated Framework," also stress the integration of incentives to promote adherence to internal controls and compliance standards​​.

Importance of Positive Reinforcement:

Positive reinforcement through incentives leads to higher employee morale, enhanced commitment to ethical practices, and a reduced likelihood of non-compliance.

A compliance program that merely penalizes non-compliance without rewarding adherence can fail to motivate employees to prioritize compliance.

Application in Fraud Prevention:

By actively incentivizing compliance, organizations can proactively mitigate risks of fraud and unethical practices. This aligns employees’ personal goals with the organization’s ethical standards.

References:

ACFE’s Fraud Prevention Guidelines​​.

COSO Framework for Internal Controls​​.

Relevant sections from Auditor Essentials and Excel for Auditors supporting the implementation of compliance measures​​.