DC Students to Perform Internal Control Assessments for Local Non-profits

September 11, 2013

 

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Accounting students at Defiance College will be helping local non-profits, churches and charitable organizations by conducting internal control assessments. Key areas the students will look at include segregation of duties, safeguarding of cash and inventory, conflicts of interest, and governance environment.

An internal control assessment is a tool that organizations can utilize to determine their exposure to internal and external fraud. The assessment reviews the operations and controls of an organization to determine where gaps exist that could allow a person or group of persons to carry out a fraud against the organization.

DC students will work with local organizations to review information and look for areas that are at risk for fraud, places that could be more secure, and develop checklists for processes. Once the organizational assessment is complete, students will give advice on internal controls such as checkbook reconciliation, safeguarding cash and inventory, conflicts of interest and governance environment.

"This is a great service learning project because everyone benefits. Students benefit from using their knowledge for an organization and the organization benefits from the students' knowledge and advice," said Rick Sealscott, CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, and assistant professor of accounting, who is teaching the class.

Non-profits, churches and charitable organizations interested in applying for an assessment should contact Sealscott at 419-783-2221 or rsealscott@defiance.edu.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.