# Auditing for Bribes and Kickbacks Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/auditing-for-bribes-and-kickbacks-course-self-paced>

## Overview

The potential for bribes and kickbacks, whether in the private or public sector, is inherent in virtually every business transaction. Recent research conducted by a major financial institution revealed that an estimated one trillion dollars a year is paid in bribes worldwide. Audit standards require that all audits be planned to provide a reasonable assurance of detecting fraud. Bribes, kickbacks, and other kinds of payoffs constitute types of fraud, often referred to as corruption. Get a strong introduction to (a) the provisions of law pertaining to fraud and corruption in the forms of bribes, kickbacks, and other types of payoffs; (b) activities that are particularly susceptible to such forms of fraud; (c) the short-and long-term impact; and (d) the methods used to make illegal payments. Focus on strengthening your ability to recognize the indicators of bribes, kickbacks, and other types of payoffs in the procurement area and on your ability to collect evidence that they may have occurred or have occurred. Participate in case studies involving the fraudulent activities of bribes, kickbacks, and other types of payoffs.

## What you'll learn

- Describe the kinds of activities that are susceptible to bribes and kickbacks.
- Determine the impact and effects of bribes and kickbacks.
- Discuss the Government Auditing Standards requirements to explicitly consider the potential for fraud in audit planning.
- Describe how bribes and kickbacks occur, including the audit trails they create and how the trails can be followed.
- Identify and collect evidence to demonstrate and document bribes and kickbacks.
- Use analytic audit techniques to detect bribery and kickbacks.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Bribes and Kickbacks: An Overview

- Definition and scope of corruption, bribes, and kickbacks
- Common environments susceptible to bribery and kickbacks

#### Module 2: What is a Bribe and a Kickback?

- Legal and operational definitions of bribes and kickbacks
- Key elements distinguishing bribery from kickbacks
- Relevant laws pertaining to bribery and kickbacks

#### Module 3: Activities Susceptible to Bribes and Kickbacks

- Identifying high-risk activities prone to bribery and kickbacks
- Common reasons for engaging in corrupt activities

#### Module 4: Effects of Bribes and Kickbacks

- Economic and societal impacts of bribery and kickbacks
- Effects on quality, cost, and ethical governance

#### Module 5: Responsibility for Detecting Bribes and Kickbacks

- Auditors' roles and responsibilities under auditing standards
- Challenges auditors face in fraud detection

#### Module 6: Indicators of Bribes and Kickbacks in Procurement

- Recognizing red flags and suspicious activities
- Distinguishing poor management from potential fraud

#### Module 7: Auditors’ Role in Identifying Bribes and Kickbacks

- Audit techniques for gathering and analyzing evidence
- Key audit questions to uncover possible corruption
- Referral processes for suspected bribery and kickbacks

#### Module 8: Forms that Bribes and Kickbacks Take

- Types of transactions and items typically involved in bribery
- Recognition and analysis of bribery methods

#### Module 9: Audit Trails that Bribes and Kickbacks Leave

- Identifying and following financial and documentary evidence
- Analyzing trails created by suspicious transactions

#### Module 10: Lifestyle Indicators of Participation in a Bribe or Kickback Scheme

- Recognizing and investigating unusual lifestyle changes
- Correlating lifestyle changes with potential illicit activities

#### Module 11: Collecting Evidence of a Bribe or Kickback

- Techniques for documenting and verifying evidence
- Establishing linkages between corrupt actors and transactions

#### Module 12: Reporting a Bribe or Kickback

- Reporting standards and procedures for fraud referrals
- Writing and presenting referral reports to investigative bodies

#### Module 13: Summary, Questions, Closure

- Reviewing key learning points and addressing remaining questions
- Best practices and strategies for ongoing vigilance and audit effectiveness

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1049