Est-ce que la mise en place d'un système de contrôle interne robuste est une approche universelle et infaillible afin de faire face aux risques de fraude au sein d'une organisation ?

Abstract

Over the past few decades, a series of fraud cases have been publicly discussed and have let to important changes in the current legislation on the matter. Indeed, cases like Enron (2001), Worldcom (2002), Madoff (2008), and lately Wirecard (2020) have had considerable impact on the current landscape of fraud. These and other matters have astonished the world as it was possible for criminals to commit fraudulent transactions in, what was believed to be, a controlled environment.

The question we can therefore raise is: where controls in place sufficient? Or if we put it differently: does a common tool exist to prevent companies from facing fraud? And if it does exist, can it be defined as a form of internal control? Therefore, this thesis is entitled “Is implementing a sloid internal control system a common and infallible approach to face fraud inside a company?” The analysis will establish the basics of a control environment and its link to prevent and detecting fraud. But it will also highlight the flaws of an internal control system and explain reasons for which fraud can occur, even in a highly controlled environment. Ans finally, additional measures are presented.

Based on the theoretical analysis and interviews that were made with experts in the control environment, our conclusion will bring forward that an internal control system is clearly the main basis for an anti-fraud policy inside a company. However, the internal procedures need to be strictly applied and the 4-eyes principle should always be a control that should affect every transaction made by the company. Furthermore, organizations should emphasize the importance of corporate governance and a clear and transparent communication on the matter towards members of the company.