Broadcast Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2023
from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (ET)

Overview:

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) recent investigation on the alleged accounting fraud committed by Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. and its several employees signals the Commission’s heightened enforcement scrutiny on individual accountability. Top executives are now faced with a notice for potential SOX 304 Reimbursement. This underscores the need to develop a robust internal control and compliance culture for financial reporting.

As the SEC’s enforcement activities continue to ramp up and the regulatory landscape remains uncertain, businesses must stay updated and be well-versed on any grounds that would result in potential liability risks.

Join experienced regulatory and compliance practitioners, John A. Rademacher (Charles River Associates), Rebecca Fike (Vinson & Elkins), and Christopher W. Ahart (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), as they provide a comprehensive discussion on the recent SEC enforcement actions and considerations for fostering an ethical culture and reducing compliance risks. Speakers, among other things, will also offer best practices and effective compliance strategies amidst the ever-changing legal landscape.

Key issues that will be covered in this course are:

  • SEC Enforcement Actions on Accounting Fraud Cases: Individual Accountability and SOX 304 Reimbursement
  • Analyzing Recent SEC Accounting Fraud Investigations
  • Potential Implications and Risk Issues
  • Best Practices and Compliance Strategies
  • What Lies Ahead

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand recent SEC enforcement initiatives to identify misconduct and stop accounting fraud.
  • Determine the implications of Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.’s accounting fraud case and other notable developments.
  • Identify potential risks and pitfalls as well as effective compliance and anti-fraud prevention strategies.

 

Credit:

Course Level:

Intermediate

 

Advance Preparation:

Print and review course materials

 

Method of Presentation:

On-demand Webcast (CLE); Group-Internet Based

 

Prerequisite:

General knowledge of financial reporting

 

Course Code:

1410307

 

NY Category of CLE Credit:

Areas of Professional Practice

 

NASBA Field of Study:

Accounting – Technical

 

Total Credit:

1.0 CLE

1.0 CPE (Not eligible for QAS (On-demand) CPE credit)

 

Speaker Panel:

Christopher W. Ahart, Senior Counsel
United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Chris Ahart is a Senior Counsel in the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Fort Worth Regional Office.  Since joining the SEC in 2013, Chris has investigated a wide variety of cases but generally specializes in complex financial and accounting frauds, including the Commission’s first case against auditors for improperly “predating” work papers.  Before his tenure at the SEC, Chris worked in private practice for over ten years at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Vinson & Elkins.  He is also a former CPA and alumnus of Arthur Andersen.  Chris earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, Master in Professional Accounting, and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Texas.

 

Rebecca Fike, Partner
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Rebecca is an experienced litigator focused on shareholder enforcement, government and internal investigations, and white collar defense. Rebecca served as Senior Counsel in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement for nearly 10 years. At the SEC, she ran all aspects of her investigations, and she frequently conducted investigations in parallel with the DOJ and other civil and criminal agencies. The SEC recognized Rebecca for her efforts with an Annual Enforcement Director’s Award for excellence in investigative work, as well as the inaugural Performance Incentive Bonus award for demonstrating an “extraordinary and rare level of performance that significantly surpasses the requirements of the job.” Rebecca brings clients a current, insider’s perspective on how to best guide them through the reality of today’s SEC investigations.

 

John A. Rademacher, Principal
Compliance Guru

Charles River Associates

John Rademacher is a principal in CRA’s Forensic Services Practice, serving as a trusted advisor during times of crisis and helping organizations demonstrate their commitment to integrity by maintaining effective compliance programs and quickly uncovering truth when responding to allegations of misconduct. He delivers value by deploying cross-functional teams of experienced professionals who get to truth more quickly than under traditional methods. He has significant experience advising corporate clients and their external counsel in matters related to ethics and compliance programs, forensic investigations, regulatory enforcement, third-party risk management, and anti-bribery and corruption. He has demonstrated experience conducting investigations in over 20 countries and has successfully built compliance programs for clients in a variety of industries. He frequently works with cross-functional teams consisting of in-house and external counsel, forensic technology, corporate intelligence, data-analytics, and deep industry expertise to deliver quality service.

He assists Boards of Directors, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officers in developing and sustaining effective ethics and compliance programs for large multinational corporations and high-growth companies. This has regularly included evaluating compliance program frameworks and delivery models, advising on the design and implementation of compliance program elements, developing compliance strategies, and supporting clients in reporting to regulators in response to enforcement actions. These transformations often focus on establishing governance structures that drive ethical conduct; simplifying policies and procedures; developing effective risk assessments; evolving training and communications to align with adult-learning; establishing risk-based auditing and monitoring strategies; and revamping hotline, investigations, and disciplinary mechanisms to meet regulator expectations.

 

Agenda:

Christopher W. Ahart, Senior Counsel

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Rebecca Fike, Partner

Vinson & Elkins LLP

  • SOX 304
  • Important Points on SOX 304
  • Synchronoss
  • Conduct of Key Figures in Synchronoss Under SOX 304: Stephen G. Waldis, CEO
  • Conduct of Key Figures in Synchronoss Under SOX 304: Karen Rosenberger, CFO
  • Comparing Outcomes in Recent SOX 304 Cases
  • The Seaboard Factors—How the SEC (Generally) Views Cooperation
  • Seaboard’s Present Inapplicability to SOX 304

John A. Rademacher, Principal

Compliance Guru

Charles River Associates

  • Fostering a culture of compliance through leaderships’ words and actions
  • Coordinating an appropriate and thorough response to allegations of misconduct
  • Reducing compliance risk through effective remediation of misconduct
  • Demonstrating a commitment to integrity through organizational justice
  • Ensuring efficient and trusted reporting mechanisms and complaint-handling processes

Date & Time:

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (ET)

Who Should Attend:

  • Financial Crime Lawyers
  • Corporate Lawyers
  • White-Collar Lawyers
  • Securities Lawyers
  • Finance Executives
  • Financial Compliance Officers
  • Financial Crime Investigators
  • Fraud Risk Managers
  • Fraud Investigators
  • Compliance Professionals
  • Fraud Analyst
  • Internal Auditors
  • Accountants
  • General Counsel

 

ImageNameCategory
Preventing Ransomware Attacks: A Practical Guide to Enhancing IT Security and Resiliency,
Speaker Preferred Package (Online Payment)
Asbestos Litigation: Demystifying Trends, Developments, and Defense Strategies,
New York Online CLE Bundle
Pennsylvania Online CLE Bundle
California Online CLE Bundle
Supercharging Privilege Review With AI, Analytics, and Automation,
The Hows and Whys of Child Abuse Reporting: A Comprehensive Ethical Guide for Lawyers,
Maximizing Your Innovation ROI: R&D Tax Credits in 2024 and Beyond,
Navigating the Complex World of Corporate Bankruptcy and Reorganization,
Demystifying Economic Sanctions: Strategies for Success in a Global Economy,
Practical Trademark Perspectives from U.S. and Canadian Counsel,
Effectively Manage KYC Compliance: Keep Up with the Times by Getting Back to Basics,
OFAC Regulations and the Economic Sanctions Compliance Programs: Best Practices,
'Zombie' LIBOR for USD Contracts: Navigating the Critical Issues, ,
Calculating Lost Profits in Construction Claims: A Practical Guide,
False Claims Act and COVID-19 Implications: Key Considerations and Best Practices, ,

SPEAKERS

Christopher W. AhartSenior Counsel
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Rebecca FikePartner
Vinson & Elkins LLP
John A. RademacherPrincipal
Compliance Guru
Charles River Associates

SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES

ALL-ACCESS PASS

View Details

CLE LAW MONTHLY

View Details

CPE FINANCE MONTHLY

View Details

Join Over 160,000 Professionals Empowering Their Careers

Learn anywhere from over 3000+ live and recorded CLE, CPE & Technology Webcasts.