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Ext. PublicationThe Rise of Forensic Audits in Public Sector | Podcast
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The Business of Government
With growing calls for transparency and stronger oversight of fraud, waste and abuse, forensic audits have become critical tools for public sector accountability. In this episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, The Business of Government, Adam Jones and Travis Casner delve into the growing demand for these audits and how they differ from traditional financial reviews. They outline how the push for deeper insights often starts long before wrongdoing is confirmed, as government leaders seek to get ahead of potential issues.
Key Points:
- Forensic audits dig deeper to uncover fraud, waste and abuse.
- Public officials face growing pressure for transparency in funds management.
- Media, watchdog groups and public concerns often trigger forensic audits.
The conversation opens with a breakdown of what a forensic audit is and how it goes beyond a financial audit to uncover the root causes of discrepancies. While financial audits focus on accuracy and compliance, they’re not designed to detect fraud or misconduct. “If we have concerns about how our taxpayer dollars are being used, we may need a different type of tool or review to uncover that,” Casner explains. “The forensic audit or investigation has been the go-to for a lot of boards in those situations.”
Jones and Casner explore how growing demand for transparency is reshaping how government leaders approach oversight. As boards recognize the limitations of traditional audits, many are taking a more proactive stance, initiating forensic audits to be more proactive and stay ahead. These deeper reviews help uncover inefficiencies, assess internal controls and demonstrate accountability before problems escalate. The shift reflects a broader effort to build public trust and take ownership of financial stewardship.
The episode also examines how many audits are triggered by outside pressure. Tips from community members, watchdog groups and even neighborhood apps can alert boards to take a closer look. Media coverage and public scrutiny often accelerate the call for action, prompting leaders to act quickly to preserve trust and avoid reputational fallout.
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