Guardians of Integrity: Enhancing Fraud Response through Forensic Collaboration
Internal auditors are the guardians of organizational integrity, leading the fight against the ever-evolving threat of fraud. Their roles are multifaceted: evaluating internal controls, fostering an ethical culture through compliance assessments, conducting risk evaluations to identify vulnerabilities, and monitoring transactions for signs of fraud. Internal auditors are often among the first to detect red flags or learn of allegations of fraud and misconduct. Assembling a skilled, well-trained team to respond effectively is essential. Drawing on decades of collaboration with internal auditors, we aim to share key lessons and insights gained through extensive experience.
Key topics to be covered include:
The role and responsibilities of forensic accountants.
When and why to include forensic accountants on the investigative team.
Structuring effective engagement models to meet organizational needs.
Key considerations for planning and executing investigations while avoiding common pitfalls.
Real-life examples of successful collaborative investigations.
We aim to have an interactive session to encourage a dynamic exchange of ideas, insights, and experiences. Join us to explore how internal auditors and forensic accountants can collaborate to enhance responses to suspected fraud and misconduct.
Speaker Bio
Suzanne Schulz, Partner, BDO
Suzanne is a partner in BDO’s Forensic Disputes & Investigations practice. She has practiced exclusively in forensic accounting since 2000, with a focus on investigating allegations of fraud and misconduct, economic crimes, and corporate malfeasance. Her expertise includes investigating fraudulent financial reporting, misappropriation of corporate assets and opportunities, bribery and corruption, conflicts of interest, and other wrongdoing in both the private and public sectors. Suzanne is also experienced in quantifying economic losses, fraud risk management, and anti-bribery and corruption programs.
Suzanne has provided expert testimony before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and has been recognized by Lexology and Who’s Who Legal as one of Canada’s leading experts in forensic accounting. She was a co-developer of Simon Fraser University’s forensic accounting course and has been a guest lecturer.
Maple Wong, Manager, BDO
Maple has been involved in the field of public accounting since 2020, specializing exclusively in forensic accounting since 2023. Her expertise is centered on fraud and criminal investigations, whistleblower responses and investigations, forensic accounting, and litigation support services. Prior to transitioning to public accounting, she gained seven years of valuable experience in various corporate accounting roles across industries such as retail, e-commerce, and food and beverage.
In her forensic accounting career, Maple has led teams investigating complex cases of fraud, asset misappropriation, civil and criminal charges, money laundering, and regulatory non-compliance. She has collaborated with large Indigenous organizations across multiple provinces, worked alongside law enforcement agencies in Canada’s largest metropolis, and partnered with a diverse range of government bodies, not-for-profit organizations, and corporations of different sizes.
Note: Registration, mingling and networking for this session will begin at 11:30AM with the presentation running from 12:00PM - 12:50PM, followed by a ten minute Q&A.
Registration & Details: RSVP early. Space is limited (Maximum of 120 individuals).
Location*: TBD
IIA Calgary Member: $50.00 Plus GST (Covers lunch)
Non Member: $62.00 Plus GST
CPE Credit: 1.0 Hour
For more information contact the IIA Chapter at chapter72@iiachapters.org
