The role of management accounting in fraud control: the case of the city of Joondalup

Abstract

The 2014 'Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse' released by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that the potential projected losses from occupational fraud globally could run as high as US$3.7 trillion every year. In Australia, several studies have found that the Australian public sector entities are also significantly exposed to fraud. This article considers the case of the Australian City of Joondalup and asks whether its management accounting function can provide city management with the necessary data to enable effective control over occupational fraud and whether fraud control activities specifically directed towards fraud control can be a regular feature thereof. It is concluded that although aspects of fraud control are encompassed within the broader strategies of the City, it can significantly enhance its ability to control occupational fraud by leveraging its regular management reporting and analysis function.