Fraud in the Utility Industry 

Fraud in the Utility Industry

Summary: For my Honors project, I created and presented a PowerPoint on fraud in the utility industry. This topic was chosen due to my current audit course and my internship in the field, where I gained firsthand exposure to auditing practices. Through this project, I explored various fraud types, real-life cases (such as those involving Duke Energy, Exelon, and PG&E), and strategies for detecting and preventing fraud. I also investigated regulatory and compliance measures specific to the utility sector, alongside software solutions that could help mitigate fraud risks. This project helped me apply academic knowledge to real-world situations, furthering my understanding of industry practices and challenges, while strengthening my foundation for a future career in auditing. 

Reflection: This project significantly enhanced my academic and personal growth. I improved my ability to present complex information clearly and engagingly, moving from formal lecturing to a more interactive style. This strengthened my communication skills and reinforced the importance of critical thinking. A major challenge was condensing extensive research into a concise presentation, which taught me to focus on fewer topics and explore them more deeply. Balancing this with my coursework and CPA exam preparation improved my time management and prioritization skills.

The project deepened my understanding of real-world auditing applications, especially fraud prevention in the utility sector. It directly prepares me for my future role in the internal audit department at Exelon, where this knowledge will be invaluable. Overall, this experience has sharpened my problem-solving abilities and creativity, reinforcing the value of engaged learning in developing essential skills for my career.