May 13, 2026

Advancing Fraud Prevention in the Public Sector

This reflection was prepared by Albulena Nahi, who works at the Ministry of Finance, Labor and Transfers in Kosovo, capturing her experience in the Managing Forensic Assignments in the Public Sector Certification Program. Delivered in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, this six-month regional program combined online learning with practical training to provide public officials with expertise in fraud detection and prevention. The curriculum covered key areas including fraud principles, public sector vulnerabilities, digital forensics, and data analytics, and was designed for professionals working in auditing, accounting, compliance, internal control, law enforcement, and cybersecurity.

"The most meaningful aspect of this program was its well-structured learning journey, which combined four interconnected online modules with interactive sessions and peer exchange. This integrated approach balanced theory and practice, creating an engaging and professionally enriching experience.

The journey began with Fraud Principles, which established a solid foundation by introducing key concepts such as the fraud triangle, common fraud schemes, and ethical considerations. This module created a shared understanding of the behavioral drivers behind fraud. Building on this, Fraud in the Public Sector contextualized these principles within governmental and non-profit environments. Through real-world case studies—particularly in procurement and payroll fraud—it demonstrated how frameworks such as COSO and ISO 37001 can be embedded into Financial Management and Control (FMC) systems, promoting preventive and risk-based approaches.

The third module, Digital Forensics, added a practical dimension by equipping participants with hands-on skills for acquiring, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence, while addressing cyber-fraud risks and emerging threats. Finally, Data Analytics focused on the use of tools such as ACL, IDEA, and Power BI to detect fraud, effectively linking data-driven methodologies with internal control systems and decision-making processes.

Throughout the program, the sessions were interactive and inspiring. Peer discussions and expert guidance fostered trust, reflection, and meaningful engagement. The content was highly relevant to my professional role, enabling me to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application while learning from experienced practitioners across the region.
The program generated significant value for my professional development. I gained structured knowledge, analytical frameworks, and practical tools that strengthened my capacity for fraud detection and prevention within FMC and the broader public internal financial control (PIFC) system. My skills in risk assessment, digital evidence analysis, and data analytics were notably enhanced. Importantly, the program emphasized proactive and preventive approaches, improving my ability to assess internal controls, apply managerial accountability principles, and contribute to institutional integrity.

In addition, the program expanded my professional network. Engagement with peers and experts fostered trust, opened opportunities for collaboration and mentorship, and supported continuous learning. This increased my confidence, reduced professional isolation, and enriched my perspective on organizational and systemic challenges in fraud prevention.
I have applied the acquired knowledge and tools in my daily work. Concepts from all four modules have been integrated into internal discussions, risk assessment processes, and broader organizational reflection on fraud vulnerabilities. I have used digital forensic techniques and data analytics methods to identify patterns and detect irregularities, directly supporting more informed decision-making. The frameworks introduced in the program have also improved how I communicate findings, structure analyses, and propose preventive measures within FMC.

As a result, the program has had a tangible impact on my professional effectiveness. My analytical capacity and understanding of forensic processes have improved, enhancing the quality and depth of my contributions. I am now better equipped to support organizational objectives related to accountability, integrity, and sound financial management, as well as to proactively identify risks and align fraud prevention strategies with internal control systems.

Beyond individual benefits, the program has contributed to a broader reframing of how fraud prevention is understood within public financial management. It reinforced the idea that fraud prevention is not a standalone function, but an integral part of FMC and PIFC systems. This perspective shifts the focus from mere compliance to a more meaningful emphasis on integrity, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability, supporting continuous institutional learning and improved governance practices.

I highly value the contribution of the CEF in delivering this comprehensive and impactful learning experience. I am motivated to further apply the knowledge gained and to contribute to strengthening forensic capabilities, internal controls, and integrity practices within my organization."