This video-based course uses a case study of embezzlement and financial statement fraud at a small public company to demonstrate the importance of internal controls, management oversight by the board of directors and an organizational emphasis on ethics in the prevention of fraud. It also examines the CPA auditor’s responsibility for internal controls and the prevention and detection of fraud as part of its work. The company that the case study utilizes is Koss Corporation.

Learning Objectives
  • Recognize the SEC rules regarding smaller reporting entities.
  • Recognize the auditor responsibility for client internal controls.
  • Identify the Koss Corp. embezzlement and financial statement fraud with inadequate internal controls.
Last updated/reviewed: March 12, 2024
33 Reviews (119 ratings)

Reviews

5
Anonymous Author
The story was very interesting and shows how important internal controls, reconciliations, and board of director's expertise is important for internal controls to be more effective. This story also shows why financial expertise is warranted when your in a CFO postion.

3
Anonymous Author
It is a great case with a nice layout. Additional detail on why the auditors were not held accountable for not identifying the personal expenses that were so extreme and the significant uptick in amex expenses vs other business expenses is baffling.

5
Anonymous Author
Very interesting case study and interesting course! Definitely enjoyed the course structure/pace as well! Love these real world case studies and also appreciated the instructor giving the additional pictures and info on the items that were purchased.

4
Anonymous Author
The content was good and I found that using a real case study is a good way to teach concepts. This was quite interesting to explain how the dimensions of the fraud triangle were all present and all contributed to this fraud.

5
Anonymous Author
Very interesting case study and well presented by Ms. McCarthy. It's unfortunate many companies put so much trust in people that they give them the keys to the kingdom without checking on them.

4
Member's Profile
Fun review of a pretty outrageous fraud. Not a particularly complex case, but it's a good example of how much money can be misappropriated, even by amateur's.

5
Member's Profile
Excellent story telling about a classic case proving the importance of internal controls and the potential consequences of not properly implementing them.

5
Anonymous Author
Very interesting case. VEry much enjoyed hearing about this actual case. Makes you think about potential for fraud at clients who are family run.

5
Anonymous Author
This course offers an interesting case study of embezzlement. I Liked how it dived into how the embezzlement went undetected for a long time.

5
Anonymous Author
Course fully met objectives. Showed importance of testing and validating the effectiveness of internal controls to prevent fraud.

5
Member's Profile
This is very engaging course with real life fraud example. Importance of tight internal control is implied from the story.

4
Anonymous Author
Good example review that shows the importance of internal controls and management overview that was lacking in this case.

5
Anonymous Author
Interesting case studies. The discussion on internal control weaknesses that led to the fraud was very beneficial.

5
Anonymous Author
Very interesting case. I was unable to understand the audio in places, but had enough to get the important data.

5
Member's Profile
It is always interesting to hear a real life example and provides first hand knowledge of the tips to consider.

5
Anonymous Author
A small but interesting course. it will be interesting to those who know Alice the fox and Basilio the cat well

4
Anonymous Author
Great case study on the Koss Fraud. It was informative to note the applicability of SOX to smaller companies.

5
Member's Profile
Found this to be interesting and a good reminder that these instances of fraud do happen in real life.

4
Anonymous Author
Very interesting case of a multi-year financial statement fraud. The scope of of this fraud was huge.

4
Anonymous Author
This is an interesting case study. A good reminder of the importance of internal controls.

5
Anonymous Author
Great case study that was entertaining and educational. Enjoying hearing real life examples.

5
Anonymous Author
Thank you very much. I really apprewciate it. Great course. Very informative. Good job.

5
Anonymous Author
Very interesting course / story with the fraud laid out in an easy to follow format.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course of Koss corporation - a Case Study in Fraud which added value to me

3
Member's Profile
The instructor didn't present the materials effectively as I would have hoped.

4
Anonymous Author
A little slow, but still exemplified the need for proper internal controls.

3
Anonymous Author
While material covered was engaging, flow of presentation felt stagnant.

4
Member's Profile
Excellent discussion on the implications of weak internal controls.

5
Anonymous Author
Interesting topic. The presented provided good information.

4
Anonymous Author
Very good course had not heard of this before. Thank you.

5
Anonymous Author
An excellent breakdown of a fraud in a case study format.

4
Anonymous Author
Simple course and the case study was very interesting

4
Member's Profile
Very interesting, had not heard about this before!

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to Koss Corp. Case Study3:00
  The Company Introduction8:54
  Overview of the Fraud8:20
  Internal Control Issues10:30
  How was the Fraud Discovered13:04
  Lesson Learned and Case Summary4:30
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  Koss Corporation – A Case Study in Fraud48:18
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
  Slides- Koss Corporation – A Case Study in FraudPDF
  Koss Corporation – A Case Study in Fraud Glossary/ IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam