Key Internal Controls: Lessons from Real-World Fraud

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 02:00 PM ET / 01:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM MT / 11:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter: Julie Desimone, CPA, Managing Principal, Baker Tilly
Moderator: Wayne Sine, CPA, MBA, Education Director, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the current fraud landscape impacting entities — including the most common schemes, behavioral red flags, and emerging risks such as cybersecurity threats and workforce changes — and explain why robust internal controls are more critical now than ever.
• Identify and evaluate key internal control components — such as segregation of duties, authorization and approval processes, reconciliations, whistleblower mechanisms, audit trails, and management review — and assess how weaknesses in these areas contribute to fraud risk.
• Apply practical strategies to strengthen internal controls by implementing best practices, leveraging data analytics, conducting self-assessments and internal audits, and learning from real-world fraud case studies to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud within your organization.
Field of Study: Auditing
Program Level: Basic
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based
Prerequisite(s): No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Course Description

If you think your organization is too vigilant to fall victim to fraud, the case studies in this session may surprise you! We'll take an eye-opening look at the schemes and warning signs affecting cooperatives right now, from classic internal abuses to fast-moving trends in cyber risk and shifting workforce dynamics. Participants will explore the internal control components that matter most and see how gaps in everyday processes can quietly open the door to fraud.

This session goes beyond theory. Attendees will walk through real fraud case studies that reveal how issues unfold in practice, and how they could have been prevented. Along the way, we’ll examine practical steps organizations can take to reinforce internal controls, sharpen oversight, use data more effectively, and build a culture that supports transparency and early detection. You’ll leave with strategies you can apply immediately to strengthen protections and reduce risk within your own organization.

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Julie Desimone, CPA, Managing Principal, Baker Tilly

Julie serves as the Industry Group Leader for Baker Tilly’s Energy & Natural Resources practice, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes the Power & Utilities, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage and Agribusiness markets. With more than 20 years of experience providing auditing, accounting, and consulting services, she brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to clients across the energy and utility sectors, including renewable energy organizations.

Her areas of specialization include industry analysis, advanced utility accounting, complex contracting matters, internal control evaluation, litigation support, and executive-level relationship management. Julie has contributed to standard-setting initiatives through project work with both the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, and she is a sought-after speaker on technical, operational, and industry issues affecting the broader energy landscape.

Moderator: Wayne Sine, CPA, MBA, Education Director, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives

After retiring as Tax Director of a regional supply cooperative on the East Coast, Wayne Sine was asked to serve as Education Director for NSAC. As an active and long-term member of NSAC, Wayne previously served as Chair of NSAC’s Tax Committee, President of the Atlantic Chapter, and was a recipient of NSAC’s Silver Bowl Award. In addition to his work with NSAC, Wayne has also served on the Legal, Tax, and Accounting (LTA) Committee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Chaired the Tax Committees for both the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Manufacturers Association, served on the Tax Policy Committee of the Virginia Society of CPAs, and served as Region Vice President for Tax Executives Institute.

Cost
Free for NSAC Members / $65.00 for Non-Members

  Online Registration

Delivery System

• All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
• Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
• Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
• All registrants will receive a link to the CLN’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
• There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.

Registration

All registration is done on-line and each guest must provide their name and email address to participate. All NSAC members may register for free. Non-members may register for a nominal fee.

Refund Policy

NSAC will not issue refunds for CLNs. If a registrant is unable to participate in the CLN and provides notification to info@nsacoop.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future CLN. Alert the NSAC staff member monitoring the CLN if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future CLNs.

Additional Information

Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to document your active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the CLN recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits. Those eligible for credits will receive their certificate by email with 7 business days.

For more information regarding NSAC CLNs or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the NSAC Headquarters, 7946 Clyo Road, Suite A, Centerville, OH 45459, 937-222-6707, or info@nsacoop.org.