Experts teach CPAs the latest about fraud at CPA Canada event

Tough times, like the current pandemic, often pull people together but, for others, it’s an opportunity to pull off a fraud. Leading fraud experts hammered that message home at a free online learning session hosted by Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) for members in the United States and across the Caribbean region on October 29.

“In today’s complex environment, no asset, company or individual is safe from financial crime as there are more and more ways to perpetrate fraud,” said CPA Corey Anne Bloom, a speaker at the event and accounting firm MNP’s Eastern Canada Leader for Forensics & Litigation Support services.

CPAs at the “Fraud in the Current Environment” session heard about present day and anticipated fraud trends, with the focus on the impact of COVID-19 and the digital age on financial crime. Participants learned how financial professionals can obtain a better understanding of fraudulent schemes as new developments emerge.

“It is hard for people, even financial professionals like CPAs, to keep on top of the ever expanding and evolving extent of fraudulent activity,” said Karen Watson, Chair of the CPA Canada Cayman Islands Chapter Advisory Council. “Sessions, like this, allow our members to stay current so they’re ready and armed with the knowledge required to protect their organizations or clients.”

Fraud comes in many forms and the information presented and discussed during the session will help CPAs involved in a wide range of activities, including fraud investigations and detection, risk management, anti-money laundering, litigation support and auditing.

“More than 280 CPAs took part in this event,” said Tashia Batstone, Senior Vice President, External Relations and Business Development, CPA Canada. “It’s clear that our international members value these types of sessions and we strive to provide CPAs with timely and relevant information. Staying alert and informed is key because the threat of fraud is constant.”

About the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) works collaboratively with the provincial, territorial and Bermudian CPA bodies, as it represents the Canadian accounting profession, both nationally and internationally. This collaboration allows the Canadian profession to champion best practices that benefit business and society, as well as prepare its members for an ever-evolving operating environment featuring unprecedented change. Representing more than 220,000 members, CPA Canada is one of the largest national accounting bodies worldwide. www.cpacanada.ca