Narrowing the Gap of Financial Fraud Detection in Corporations

Narrowing the Gap of Financial Fraud Detection in Corporations by Solomon Aborbie MAFM, DeVry University, 2010 B.Com, University of Cape Coast, 1990 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2015 Abstract Business leaders remain exposed to financial and accounting fraud as well as loss of profitability, despite the dictates of the SOX Act of 2002. The most challenging aspect of corporate management is the unexpected nature of an emerging, existing, or an inherent financial risk. Guided by the evolution of fraud theory, this exploratory case study’s purpose was to identify and explore the financial management strategies that corporate financial managers need to adequately protect investors. Twenty participants from a population group of corporate auditors of Fortune 1000 corporations within 70 miles of Columbus, Ohio provided input for this study. Data from the interviews were analyzed through coding, reviewing, categorizing, and combining common statements. The research findings included themes of knowledge and types of risks; the impact of financial fraud and risks on investment; the impact of accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards; as well as financial management training to minimize audit expectations. These themes formed the focus of exploring the financial management strategies that corporate financial managers need to adequately protect investors and investments. In addition to the antifraud measures, financial managers may detect and control inherent risks in emerging opportunities for positive social change that includes enhanced knowledge in diversification of investments, an increase in economic resources, economic growth, and greater employment in the United States.Business leaders remain exposed to financial and accounting fraud as well as loss of profitability, despite the dictates of the SOX Act of 2002. The most challenging aspect of corporate management is the unexpected nature of an emerging, existing, or an inherent financial risk. Guided by the evolution of fraud theory, this exploratory case study’s purpose was to identify and explore the financial management strategies that corporate financial managers need to adequately protect investors. Twenty participants from a population group of corporate auditors of Fortune 1000 corporations within 70 miles of Columbus, Ohio provided input for this study. Data from the interviews were analyzed through coding, reviewing, categorizing, and combining common statements. The research findings included themes of knowledge and types of risks; the impact of financial fraud and risks on investment; the impact of accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards; as well as financial management training to minimize audit expectations. These themes formed the focus of exploring the financial management strategies that corporate financial managers need to adequately protect investors and investments. In addition to the antifraud measures, financial managers may detect and control inherent risks in emerging opportunities for positive social change that includes enhanced knowledge in diversification of investments, an increase in economic resources, economic growth, and greater employment in the United States. Narrowing the Gap of Financial Fraud Detection in Corporations by Solomon Aborbie MAFM, DeVry University, 2010 B.Com, University of Cape Coast, 1990 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2015 Dedication This study is dedicated to my God, family, and participants who have supported my progress over this very long and challenging journey. First, I thank God for His bountiful blessings. I would like to thank my dear wife Regina for unparalleled love and support for the entire family. My parents, C. A. Aborbie, Juliana Aborbie, and Matilda Nyanda Cudjoe for teaching me the values of humility and commitment to work. I also thank my parents-in-law, Mr. Stephen Adu and Mrs. Beatrice Adu, for their unconditional support for my family and others. My children Christian Chartey, Solomon Charnor, Melvin Chartei, and Reginnette Dede, for your love, patience, and understanding during the endless evenings at the library and our home office. My twin goddaughters, Kendra Akweley Suma, and Kailey Akorkor Omasu. I have charted the path for all of you. I hope I can help you and others achieve their dreams. Ebenezer Addy, Alex Oworae (Esq.), Owusu-Asomaning, Seth Tenkorang, Sister Gladys Doku, Peter Aborbie, K. Appiah-Agyekum, Nene Boajor Aborbie, Yaa B. Debrah, and Solomon Mensah; priority of family is forever indeed! Acknowledgments I am grateful to God for enabling me to pursue the dream of a doctoral degree. I am also grateful to my committee chair Dr. Peter Anthony, my second chair, Dr. Robert Miller, and my URR, Dr. Kenneth Gossett. I want to acknowledge, with gratitude, my mentor and committee chair Dr. Anthony who kept me working on my study when I wanted to surrender. Dr. Anthony’s advice, technical expertise, and people skills were key factors in my journey to earning my DBA. Without his talent and humor, I may have thrown in the towel. My profound appreciation goes to Dr. Freda Turner (my doctoral godmother), Dr. Gene Fusch, Dr. Reginald Taylor, Dr. Al Endres, Dr. James Fletcher, Dr. Neil Mathur, Dr. Douglas Campbell, Dr. Joe Mainoo, Dr. Isaac Baah, Dr. N. Washington, Dr. E. Masocha, Dr. Baba Sempah, Dr. Cosmos Aborbie, Mr. and Mrs. Acquah, Lydia Lunning, and Ron Beatty. My special appreciation goes to the families of Rev. Rebecca Tollefson, Rev Kristin Schutte, Rev. Aboagye, Rev. Joe Amponsah, Rev. M. Akih, Mr. Boamah-Acheampong, Mr. K. Kankam, Mr. Jeff Sherman, Mr. Jim Ortlieb, Ms. Anne Hershey, P. Huckleberry, Mr. G. Phillips, Keith Elliot, J. Brubeck, Ms. Sheila Collier, Otu-Danquah, Sid, Dave, Karl, Rich, Charles, Hans, Pam, Moh, Deb, Awah Debrah, Telus-Mensah, L. Ampiah, Addo-Badu, Agani, Joe, Mr. Yeboah, K. Nkansah, M. Olagbenro, Godfred Adomako, Mr. N. Asare, members of Ramseyer Presby Church, OH., Bunso LA, ABUSCO, La Bone, UCC, DeVry Univ., MVNU, OH. BWC, and Dept. of Tax, OH. My motivation goes to the following aspiring DBA candidates, Jones, Frank Owusu, Duah, I. Garba, M. Sow, Gudo, Yawe, Yusuf, F. Bannerman, A-Dapaah, Bayo, Thomas Sefa, Eric, Teye, Delali, Simon, Osaka, Kpodjie, Antwi, and everyone.