Our Experience

We undertook an independent review of an Aboriginal and Islander School on behalf of the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB). We were engaged to assess the suitability of the governing body in accordance with the NSSAB accreditation criteria. This included reviewing the governing body’s relationships, policies and procedures, and financial decisions. We made a number of recommendations to the NSSAB in relation to improving governance, policies and procedures and maintaining appropriate records.

Conducted an independent investigation into an alleged fraud by two employees using customer credit card details. The investigation examined mailboxes and laptops to identify relevant communications. Our investigations confirmed that an employee had recorded the credit card information of customers and had made personal purchases using these particulars. We also identified a number of procedural and control weaknesses in respect of the way customer information was being handled and communicated within the business.

Conducted an independent investigation into an Australian subsidiary of a US Parent company due to concerns of inappropriate accounting practices. Our investigation involved analysing the accounting system, reviewing policies and examining electronic data to identify whether any inappropriate accounting and authorisations took place, and whether it involved collusion amongst employees. Our independent report provided management with detailed findings for consideration and assisted them with making a decision on whether any further action would be required.

Conducted an independent investigation into Government funding provided to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), specifically relating to concerns that funding had been obtained dishonestly. Our investigation involved a site inspection, staff interviews and the examination of financial data and physical student records to determine whether the RTO had complied with relevant standards and funding agreements. Our investigations identified that $2m had been claimed by the RTO dishonestly through the falsification of qualifications and student records.

We performed a review and quantification of employee payroll entitlements for a multinational retailer. Our review involved recalculating employee entitlements under the General Retail Award over the period since business acquisition and comparing these to actual payments made to employees. We identified discrepancies and prepared a report for the client’s legal advisors which formed the basis of self-reporting to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

We delivered an independent review and calculation of salary entitlements during an extensive review period from 2006 to 2019 for a water service provider. Our extensive model produced fortnightly calculations for more than 400 employees for the last 14 years. This was beneficial to facilitate the necessary discussions and remediation.

Investigation into allegations of conflict of interest, kickbacks and procurement anomalies by a high level technical employee and a current supplier. We identified information indicating a number of money transfers between the parties where appropriate explanations could not be provided, a private relationship between the owner of the supplier and the employee, and emails indicating some involvement of the employee in the establishment of the supplier company.

Investigation into allegations of bribery and kickback payments being made to an employee who had been ‘groomed’ by personnel from a network of related service providers. The employee received payments in return for assisting the providers submit the most competitive price. Our work utilised the services of private surveillance contractors, liaising with whistleblowers and the interrogation of electronic data held by our client. The employee’s employment was terminated following our investigation.

Conducted an independent investigation into allegations that a government employee had failed to declare conflicts of interest, misused authority in a tender process, misused a corporate credit card and accepted gifts and benefits that were not declared. We examined mailbox accounts, computers and mobile phones as well as tender documentation and conflict of interests and gifts and benefits registers. The investigation substantiated the allegations and resulted in the the termination of this employee.

We were engaged to conduct an independent investigation into complaints of sexual harassment and bullying in the catering arm of an integrated services client. We conducted formal interviews with nine witnesses and persons of interest in respect of these allegations. Our work identified potential breaches of legislation and policies within the organisation. Our work was considered by senior HR personnel as part of their considerations on whether to implement disciplinary action.

We were engaged by our client’s legal advisors to provide a forensic accounting expert quantification of potential incorrect payroll payments made to employees engaged under the Road Transport Distribution Award. Our calculations formed the basis of communications with the Fair Work Ombudsman and over 300 impacted employees. We have also delivered a comprehensive payroll compliance audit after the Fair Work Ombudsman required our client to conduct an annual audit on a sample basis of pay periods.

We were engaged as Supervisors and Forensic Auditors over a real estate business where concerns were held as to the Principal’s competency. Due to illness the Principal had not been recording daily transactions accurately and significant work was required to reconcile the agency’s Trust Account in order to identify creditors. As part of our work we managed the affairs of the agency, reviewed existing property contracts and ensured tenancy matters were transferred to new agencies.

Independent investigation into allegations of corruption by a senior Qld Public Servant who was alleged to have been involved in a conflict of interest with a supplier who had been contracted, in breach of procurement guidelines, to deliver in excess of $2miillion of professional services to the Department.

We undertook a forensic review of payments made by a Principal to an agent over a twelve month period to determine the validity of these payments. Our investigation identified a series of fraudulent payments, through the use of fictitious invoices. Our work supported a High Court search order and related arbitration.

We were engaged to investigate whistleblower allegations of employee misconduct including the theft of tooling, scrap metal and company fuel, collusion and the unauthorised operation of a business. The investigation was conducted remotely with interviews taking place via video conferencing. A number of employees were terminated as a result of our investigation and the company reported several events to the police.

Engaged to investigate allegations of illicit cash payments being made to an employee of a large scrap metal facility following a whistleblower report. A review was performed into the employee’s practice of issuing ‘false’ tickets that were subsequently redeemed for cash. Our report quantified the loss and provided supporting evidence for the NSW Police.

Independent investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption involving senior executives colluding with external parties. We reported to an independent committee chaired by a former Federal Court judge and Royal Commissioner. The investigation uncovered evidence to support the allegations. We supported our client by reporting to regulators, law enforcement and informing its auditors.

Investigation into allegations of overcharging, kickbacks and hosting inappropriate material by the Chief Technology Officer and a former supplier. We identified evidence of collusion to inflate invoices, charges for equipment and services never provided, kickbacks in excess of $1m and inappropriate material being hosted on our client’s network.

Engaged by an Australian company captured by the UK Bribery Act operating in high risk jurisdictions in Africa. We undertook an in-country assessment focusing on their operations, policies and processes and provided specific recommendations on improving processes and meeting the obligations of the UK Bribery Act.