FSS President Kelly Todd Speaks at GFOAA Summer Conference

When it comes to financial misconduct, what you don’t see can hurt you. And in the government and nonprofit sectors, where every dollar is accountable to the public, ignoring the signs of fraud isn’t just risky—it’s a liability.

At this year’s Government Finance Officers Association of Alabama (GFOAA) Summer Conference, FSS President Kelly Todd is delivering a session focused on identifying and preventing financial misconduct in environments where oversight resources are often stretched thin.

Her message is simple: fraud rarely looks like fraud. It hides behind routine transactions, within long-standing vendor relationships, or under the radar of internal audits. But it doesn’t stay hidden forever—and when it surfaces, the cost can be substantial, not just financially, but in public trust.

What Kelly Will Cover

In this session, Kelly will unpack the real-world mechanics of employee financial misconduct. She’ll explain how and why it happens, what signs often get missed, and why relying on audits alone leaves organizations exposed.

She’ll also share why most fraud is uncovered by tips—not audits or automated systems—and what that means for finance officers and leadership teams. In many cases, fraud is discovered not through data but through people. That’s why employee fraud awareness training, strong whistleblower systems, and a culture of transparency are far more effective than reactive investigations.

Expect practical, experience-based insights—not theory. Kelly brings decades of forensic audit and litigation consulting experience, and she’ll draw on that background to share actual cases, the missteps that let fraud take hold, and the steps that could’ve stopped it earlier.

Why This Session Matters

Government and nonprofit entities often operate with limited internal audit functions and rely heavily on trust and routine. That’s understandable—but it creates blind spots. This session is about confronting those blind spots before they become headlines.

Attendees will walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of how fraud typically develops in government and nonprofit finance
  
• Red flags that should raise concern—but often don’t
  
• Best practices for fostering a fraud-aware culture without breeding paranoia
  
• Simple, cost-effective ways to reduce exposure through training and internal policies
  

Kelly emphasizes the idea that fraud awareness doesn’t require massive budgets. It requires leadership buy-in, strong ethics, and practical vigilance.

A Culture Shift, Not Just a Checklist

This isn’t about adding another layer of forms or compliance hurdles. It’s about understanding that your people are both your greatest asset and your greatest defense. The organizations that consistently avoid damaging fraud scandals are the ones where employees know what to look for and feel safe saying something when something’s off.

Kelly’s talk will challenge attendees to move beyond reactive policies and embrace proactive prevention.

Who Should Attend

The GFOAA Summer Conference draws professionals across the government and nonprofit finance spectrum, including city and county finance officers, school board accountants, nonprofit CFOs, and others responsible for public funds. If you touch financial oversight in any way, this session will speak to you.

Even if you believe your internal controls are solid, Kelly’s examples may surprise you. Her stories highlight how even organizations with policies in place still fall victim when awareness is low and assumptions go unchallenged.

About Kelly Todd

Kelly Todd is the President at Forensic Strategic Solutions and leads the firm’s forensic accounting and fraud examination practice. Her work spans high-profile forensic investigations, expert testimony, and training programs designed to prevent and detect financial misconduct before it escalates.

Known for her clear, no-nonsense communication style and deep technical expertise, Kelly is a trusted advisor to attorneys, boards, and leadership teams across the country. She has conducted financial investigations across both public and private sectors and brings this experience into every client engagement and speaking opportunity.

Details

Event: Government Finance Officers Association of Alabama Summer Conference
Date: August 7, 2025
Location: Event Info & Registration →
Speaker: Kelly Todd, President, FSS
Topic: Fraud Awareness in Government and Nonprofit Finance

If your organization wants to strengthen its fraud prevention approach or you’re looking for training tailored to your team’s needs, reach out to the team at Forensic Strategic Solutions. We’re here to help you turn awareness into action.