Small Businesses and Trust; A Payroll Embezzlement Case THE ASSIGNMENT
After reading the case and the newspaper articles, thoroughly answer the following questions. College-level writing, including proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure is expected.
Assignment Questions:
1. The Fraud Triangle has 3 main factors that contribute to fraudulent activity. Identify those 3 factors and write about how they specifically related to Jenifer and her embezzlement.
Fraud Factor How did this contribute to Jenifer’s embezzlement?
1. Opportunity
2. Financial Pressure
3. Rationalization

2. There are six principles of internal control activities. List those six principles and include one example of all the specific internal controls that could have been in place to prevent this embezzlement.
Internal Control Principle Specific process to prevent this embezzlement
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

3. How difficult do you think it would be to implement the principles identified in Question 2 at a small business? Why? Support your position.

4. J Murray and Company, LLC paid a CPA firm to prepare reviewed financial statements and tax returns. They used information from Peachtree records and from Jenifer. What responsibility, if any, did they have? Did they act unethically? Who is responsible for accurate accounting records?

5. What does Tina mean in her statement to the Clare County Review “the effects of an embezzlement are far reaching and detrimental for everyone”? Who were all the stakeholders that were all affected in this case? How were they harmed?

6. Jenifer was caught embezzling via the payroll system, how else might she have been stealing from the company that was never proven?

7. Why do you think Jenifer embezzled the money?

8. Do you think her sentencing is too lenient, too harsh, or is appropriate? Why?

9. What would you do if your friend and employee was stealing from your company?