Fraudsters Unmasked: Internal Audit's Role in Preventing Fraud - (2 hours - morning) - Webcast
Overview
This webcast is part of a new three-part 2026 Internal Audit Series. You may purchase individually, or save up to $75 when purchasing the bundle (see below). The series is led by Elizabeth McDowell, CPA, CIA, founder of Audit Forward and a seasoned internal audit leader with more than 20 years of experience. She brings real-world insights to every session. Known as an “edutainer,” Elizabeth combines education and entertainment to make auditing concepts engaging, practical and memorable.
OSCPA has partnered with the Iowa Society of CPAs for this new series.
Highlights
- Key fraud questions internal audit should be asking
- Collaborate across the three lines to prevent fraud
- Identify fraud risks and key attributes (likelihood, impact)
- Build an anti-fraud internal control library
- Develop a robust fraud risk assessment program and calculation
- Determine the best response to residual fraud risks
- Define fraud red flags as warning signs, not proof of fraud
- Explain why awareness and skepticism matter
- Review main fraud types: asset misappropriation, corruption, financial statement fraud
- Explore real-life fraud cases including Rita Crundwell, Sandy Jenkins, Theranos, Enron, Wells Fargo, and WorldCom
- Discuss cultural and leadership factors that allowed fraud to continue
Designed For
CPAs and other business professionals looking to deepen their knowledge on how to recognize early warning signs of fraud and respond effectively.
Objectives
- Gain an understanding on internal audit's role in preventing fraud and best-practice collaboration with the first and second lines, as well as how to develop and perform a dynamic, effective fraud risk assessment
- Analyze real-world fraud cases to understand how weak controls and culture enable misconduct
- Recommend internal controls and governance measures to prevent, detect, and respond to red flags
This event is part of the following bundles:
2026 Internal Audit Series Bundle - NEW!
Multiple Events Between -
Up to 6.0 Credits
Member Price: $300
After purchasing this bundle, you will automatically be registered for all three sessions included in the series (6 hours CPE credit total). See dates/topics included in the series at the bottom of page. The NEW Internal Audit Series delivers three, expert-led sessions designed to help confidently navigate today’s internal audit landscape. Each session is offered in a convenient, flexible virtual format - making it easy to join from anywhere, gain actionable insights and walk away with knowledge to immediately apply.The series is led by Elizabeth McDowell, CPA, CIA, founder of Audit Forward and a seasoned internal audit leader with more than 20 years of experience. She brings real-world insights to every session. Known as an “edutainer,” Elizabeth combines education and entertainment to make auditing concepts engaging, practical and memorable. Purchase the 2026 Internal Audit Series Bundle and save up to $75! OSCPA has partnered with the Iowa Society of CPAs for this new series.
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Elizabeth McDowell, Audit Forward LLC
Elizabeth McDowell, CPA, CIA has over 20 years of audit experience and is the founder of Audit Forward, an innovative internal audit consulting and training firm. In addition to training and consulting, Elizabeth is an adjunct Professor of Accounting at Front Range Community College and serves as a Non-Executive Independent Director for an internal audit firm in the UK. Elizabeth's most recent industry experience was at Achieve, where she was Sr. Director, Audit Strategy; prior to that, she held internal audit leadership roles at Elevations Credit Union, Fidelity Investments, and Xcel Energy after first starting her career at Ernst & Young.
Elizabeth considers herself an "edutainer" (educator + entertainer!) and makes auditing and training fun (no, really!) with the help of her mascot, Audie the Internal Otteror. Elizabeth is a dynamic, engaging, and enthusiastic public speaker who presents virtually and in-person to IIA chapters, accounting societies, Association of Certified Fraud Examiner chapters, governmental groups, and more.
(4/10/26)
Non-Member Price $160.00
Member Price $125.00