FBI, AICPA join forces to help CPAs ferret out fraud.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is working with the AICPA to help CPAs detect and prevent corporate financial fraud. "Arresting Financial Fraud: The Inside Story from the FBI," a Nov. 6 Webcast co-sponsored by both organizations, garnered an audience of more than 6,300 registrants representing an estimated 10,000-15,000 individuals. The Webcast explored the FBI's view on the corporate fraud problem in this country and addressed areas of future concern (The CPA Letter, Oct.).

The FBI also is actively recruiting from the accounting profession, with a goal to have 15% of new agents be CPAs. According to the FBI, accountants are critical in reviewing and analyzing documents necessary to track the illegal activities of individuals under investigation for major corporate fraud and international terrorism, among other things.

"It makes sense for the FBI and the CPA profession to work together," said AICPA President & CEO Barry Melancon. "The FBI already employs hundreds of CPAs. Moreover, the AICPA has developed a multi-faceted antifraud program, so this Webcast fits in perfectly with the efforts we've had under way since Sept. 2002."

A CD-ROM version of the Webcast is available for purchase from CPA2Biz (www.cpa2biz.com/webcasts). This CD-ROM qualifies for an estimated 2 CPE credits.

Melancon said the FBI and AICPA have additional plans to work together. For example, the Institute is arranging a training session for Bureau agents on accounting and auditing standards and the FBI is contributing articles on fraud prevention to AICPA publications.