Olsen Thielen Advisor Blog
- October 8, 2019
According to the KnowBe4 Security Team (knowbe4.com), the bad guys are using social media messaging platforms and emails to send dangerous phishing links that are disguised as a link to a video.
- October 7, 2019
Using a strong password is an important part of your online protection, but as cyber criminals become more sophisticated and determined, you must take additional precautions when protecting your digital identity.
- October 2, 2019
Business owners only need to turn on the news to learn about the latest data breach or attack of ransomware. But when it comes to their own business’ security, are they asking the right questions to ensure they are doing all they can to prepare for the rising tide of
- September 25, 2019
Your board members serve because they believe in your organization and care about your mission. However, most are unpaid volunteers. You owe it to them to make the job as easy as possible — starting with well-organized board meetings that are only as long as necessary.
- August 20, 2019
Publicly traded companies must conduct fraud risk assessments but privately held businesses aren't subject to the the same fraud risk assessment requirements.
- August 19, 2019
Starting in the spring of 2019, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been sending out these letters to alert employers if there’s a discrepancy between the agency’s files and data reported on W-2 forms, which are filed with the IRS.
- August 15, 2019
When it comes to reducing fraud loss and duration, active fraud detection methods (such as surprise audits or data monitoring) are far more effective than passive methods (such as confessions or notification by police). In spite of the effectiveness of the active methods, many companies fail to use them to their full
- July 30, 2019
Background checks don’t inoculate companies against occupational fraud and other criminal acts by employees. After all, many thieves have never been caught and, therefore, have no criminal background.
- July 26, 2019
Corporate espionage involves the theft of information that hasn’t been made public and each year businesses lose billions of dollars in intellectual property (IP) from thieves stealing trade secrets.
- July 25, 2019
Whether you are selling or buying a business or in the process of a merger or acquisition, it is important that all parties be consistent when reporting the transaction to the IRS. Reporting discrepancies could increase your chance of being audited.
- July 23, 2019
In general, the amount lost to not for profit fraud isn't nearly as much as it is at for-profit businesses. Few nonprofit budgets can afford a $75,000 shortfall or the bad publicity associated with fraud. Here’s how nonprofits open the door to fraud — and how your organization can shut it.
- July 12, 2019
Even if your nonprofit typically doesn't have budge shortfalls, you may be looking for new funding sources and may want to consider cause marketing. Made possible via a partnership with a for-profit business, cause marketing can boost your budget, your public profile and even your volunteer base.
- July 12, 2019
Many government agencies are experiencing staff shortages, but don't assume they have given up on IRS audits of NonProfits! Staff shortage or not, the IRS continues to scrutinize organizations and conduct audits when deemed necessary. If your organization receives an audit letter, you need to know what the process involves
- July 11, 2019
An operating reserve is a nonprofit's safety net that has the unrestricted and relatively liquid portion of the organization's net assets. Securing this reserve for use in emergencies or simply when your budget falls short is critical to your organization’s security and long-term survival.