Episode 6 - Stephen Kirk

In this episode, we explore the thrilling world of auditing through the lens of Stephen, a dedicated auditor who uncovered a Ponzi scheme in his community. The conversation delves into the nature of Ponzi schemes, the role of compliance auditors, and the emotional toll that fraud cases can take on those involved. Stephen shares his experiences, insights, and advice for new auditors, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and ethical responsibility in the field of auditing.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Super Auditor01:51 Understanding Ponzi Schemes05:10 The Role of Compliance Auditors10:21 The Case of the Desperate Broker19:11 Uncovering the Fraud22:31 The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings29:35 Advice for New Auditors33:51 The Emotional Toll of FraudABOUT STEPHEN KIRK:Stephen Kirk has over 37 years of government auditing and compliance experience, having worked for the State of Illinois since 1987. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Eureka College and is a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Government Auditing Professional. He served as Director of the Office of Internal Audit/Chief Internal Auditor for the Illinois Department of Transportation since 2010.Previous positions include Chief Internal Auditor for the Capital Development Board, Audit Manager for the Illinois Office of Internal Audit and Senior Auditor for the Illinois Securities Department. Mr. Kirk is a published author of a book about a Ponzi Scheme entitled A Betrayal of Trust published in January 2023.