Overseeing internal investigations
Overview
Whistleblower tips to the SEC continue to rise. They typically lead to some level of investigation. Investigations can be lengthy, stressful, and costly. Audit committees often play a critical role overseeing investigations from start to finish. Are you prepared?
What is the audit committee’s role?
Companies are getting more whistleblower tips and complaints. Shareholders, employees, and regulators expect companies to follow up, and resolve any issues. For many companies it is not a matter of if a significant complaint will occur—but when. And given the size of some whistleblower settlements, the incentive to speak up is growing.
Complaints often involve a possible economic loss to the company and have accounting, internal control, and disclosure ramifications. As a result, the audit committee is usually called upon to oversee or direct an internal investigation.
SEC’s whistleblower program activity
Number of whistleblower tips
Contact us
Kristin Rivera
Partner, Global Investigations & Forensics Leader, Global Crisis Consulting Leader, PwC US
