Five High-Value Areas for Fraud Data Analysis
A starter testing library for finance and internal audit
1. General ledger
Search for unusual manual entries, late-period adjustments, round-dollar postings, entries to seldom-used accounts, and patterns involving privileged users.
2. Accounts payable
Test duplicate or near-duplicate invoices, vendor bank-account changes, payments just below approval thresholds, and shared vendor/employee identifiers.
3. Asset management
Reconcile fixed-asset records to physical verification, disposals, transfers, and unusual write-offs. Examine access and custody responsibilities.
4. Cash disbursements
Compare approved payees and bank destinations, inspect unusual payment timing, and trace exceptions to authorization and supporting documents.
5. Payroll
Test duplicate bank accounts, inactive or terminated employees receiving payments, unusual overtime, and changes to master data.
How to use the results
Every exception requires validation. Record data lineage, test logic, population completeness, follow-up, and disposition; do not equate an anomaly with fraud.
Engagement perspective
INTELL RISK & ADVISORY GROUP brings evidence-based analysis to fraud, forensic accounting, investigations, litigation support, internal audit, and complex accounting matters. For a confidential initial discussion, please use the contact section on our homepage. Do not send privileged or sensitive documents through unverified channels.