Fraud and Financial Distortion: What May Be Hiding Behind the Numbers WEBCAST
Overview
Financial statements are intended to communicate the financial condition of an organization, but the numbers themselves are only a translation of underlying business operations. When financial professionals focus solely on the accounting presentation without understanding the operational realities behind those numbers, significant risks, distortions, or even fraud can go undetected. This course explores how CPAs, auditors, controllers, and financial analysts can apply operational thinking when reviewing financial information. Participants will learn how to translate financial results back into operational language and evaluate whether a business model is plausible. Through practical examples and real-world case studies, the program highlights warning signs that may indicate financial distortion or misrepresentation. The session equips participants with practical questions and analytical tools to help identify what may be hiding behind seemingly reasonable financial statements.
Highlights
Translating financial statements back into operational reality. The operational plausibility test. Analytical metrics that reveal hidden distortion. Common operational red flags. Case studies. Practical questions every financial professional should ask.
Prerequisites
None.
Designed For
CPAs. Auditors. Forensic accountants. Controllers. CFOs. Financial analysts. Bankers.
Objectives
Explain how financial statements translate operational activity into financial language and why understanding business operations is essential for detecting financial distortion. Identify common operational red flags that may signal potential fraud, manipulation, or financial misrepresentation. Apply operational plausibility testing to determine whether reported financial results are consistent with the underlying business model. Recognize industry benchmarks and analytical indicators that may reveal hidden financial distortions. Use practical analytical techniques to ask better questions when reviewing financial statements or performing financial analysis.
Preparation
None.
Notice
None.
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
James Lindell, Thorsten Consulting Group Inc
James (Jim) T. Lindell is the President of a Wisconsin based provider of strategic & financial consulting, professional speaking, training, and executive coaching. Jim has an extensive background in senior management including positions as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Assistant Controller. Jim has worked with a variety of industries including: manufacturing, health care, not for profit, distribution and food processing. He has been involved in more than 40 M & A projects. James Lindell is a Certified Public Accountant with public accounting experience at several local and regional accounting firms. He is a TEC Chairman (The Executive Committee). He is a member (and instructor) of the American Institute of CPA’s and the Wisconsin Institute of CPA’s and a member of Wisconsin Chapter of National Speaker Association. . Jim is the author of the AICPA course “AICPA’s Annual Update for Controllers”, “Targeting the Bottom Line: Taking the Guesswork out of Financial Management”. He is a contributing author of the AICPA course “The Fast Close, Soft Close, Virtual Close? Now Days not Weeks”. James Lindell is “an excellent discussion leader! He has good presentaiton skills, he involves the group, and he makes his material interesting.” - S. Krohmer, attended AICPA’s Annual Update for Controllers. James Lindell is “a great speaker who is very interesting and engaging.” - L. Meadows, attended AICPA’s Annual Update for Controllers.
Non-Member Price $119.00
Member Price $89.00