Occupational Fraud in Micro-Financial Institutions in Cameroon: Strategies for Timely Detection and Control

Occupational fraud has persistently become a hurtful problem in micro-financial institutions (MFIs) in Cameroon lately. Staff and management of some MFIs are suspended, terminated, or litigated after they are suspected of involvement in occupational fraud over the years. Such delayed detections have caused huge losses to the organisations. In this respect, a study was carried out to examine strategies for timely detection and control of occupational fraud in MFIs in Cameroon. An online survey was opened to experienced certified fraud examiners and auditors to give their experiences of strategies for timely occupational fraud detection and control in micro-financial institutions in Cameroon. The data generated was analysed, regressed, and interpreted to produce empirical results that MFIs in Cameroon apart of installing sound internal control systems, need to adopt and implement monitoring and surprise audits, tips and notifications, rotation of duty and abrogation of paid annual leave in order to secure timely detection and control of occupational fraud before it wreaks heavy losses on the institution. Furthermore, MFIs in Cameroon are cautioned to use information technology control and surveillance strategies with reservation because the facilities that support their operation are poorly developed, yet politicised. MFIs should not hope to discover an occupational fraud through accidents and/or a confessions. They are encouraged to treat their workers fairly but bearing in mind that no matter how well workers are kept comfortable occupational fraud could still be committed by management and staff who suffer from insatiable greed and/or psychosis.