AN ANALYSIS OF FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES BY PUBLIC COMPANIES AS ALLEGED IN ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING ENFORCEMENT RELEASES ISSUED BY THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IN 2011

Abstract

Accurate and timely financial reporting and disclosure is the cornerstone of market efficiency, capital formation, and economic growth. Fraudulent activities undermine public confidence and often lead to increased regulation. Fraudulent activities negatively impact organizations and their stockholders and diminish public confidence. This study adds to the literature on fraudulent activities by analyzing enforcement actions taken by the SEC in 2011. To that end, an analysis of 127 Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases (AAERs) issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2011 is provided.