In this paper, we investigate the determinants of bank profitability by examining endogenous factors used to measure the size of a financial institution. We underscore the significance of bank employees in embodying institutional values and playing a pivotal role in sales channels, as well as the impact of technological integration on customer expectations and workforce dynamics. Utilizing a dataset from regulatory agencies, which includes information from 47 banks and insurance companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the year 2021, the study explores the relationship between the independent variables which include the volume of total assets and the number of employees, and the dependent variable for profitability. By calculating Return on Equity (ROE) and employing a multiple linear regression model, the study finds that a statistically significant relation between independent variables and the dependent variable does not exist. Despite this, the research highlights the need for further investigation, particularly considering the differentiation between banks and insurance companies, the potential impact of outliers, and the broader economic context of the year studied. The findings suggest that a more refined model, possibly incorporating panel data, could provide clearer insights into the profitability determinants of financial institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Abstract This paper addresses a underlying assumption of financial statements: going concern assumption. The going concern assumption constitutes a foundational premise presuming that the entity will conduct its operations in the forthcoming period (at least 12 months) without significant risk of business interruption. The primary objective of financial reporting is to provide information regarding the entity's financial position and performance to diverse users. Management is obligated to apprise users, and auditors are tasked with scrutinizing the assertion that the entity will continue its operations for a period exceeding 12 months. This paper meticulously examines the regulatory framework grounded in International Financial Reporting Standards and International Standards on Auditing. It particularly scrutinizes the role and significance of auditors in assessing the going concern assumption, encompassing an analysis of factors influencing the auditor's opinion on the going concern assumption and addressing criticisms directed at auditors. Furthermore, the paper explores past experiences in developing models for evaluating going concern assumptions, potentially aiding forensic accountants in uncovering irregularities in financial statements, given the correlation between a heightened bankruptcy risk and fraudulent activities.

Abstract Banks and banking business are exposed to the influence of numerous risks, of which the importance of credit risk management stands out, because credit risk is the only risk that banks are obliged to measure, record in accounting and report. Banks monitor credit risk through the segmentation of the credit portfolio according to the level of risk. This paper is focused on research related to the management of the riskiest category of the credit portfolio, for which we will use the term special credit risk (SCR) in this paper.

Abstract Aware of the danger that the risk of money laundering and terroist financing has on the whole society, and with the aim of increasing awareness of the effective fight against the same risk in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the paper deals with the research of mechanisms for managing the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The research of this work will be focused on determining the degree of application of the requirements of the legislative and institutional framework for the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing by those obliged to apply law. Also, the paper points to the cooperation of state institutions with entities of the BiH, and examines the degree of compliance of the BiH system with international standards related to the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. In order to assess the management of this risk as efficiently as possible, the paper will cover financial and non-financial money transfer systems, and indicate the level of measures taken in this fight by the competent institutions. For the purposes of research in the paper, the data published by the competent institutions through their reports/publications will be used, with a special focus on the data published by the Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the legal entity that reported the largest number of suspicious transactions in the analyzed period. The results of the research indicate that there is no concern regarding the management of the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing in BiH, and that the risk can be quantified in the category of moderate risk.

The objective of preparing and presenting financial statements is to provide information about the financial position and performance of an entity, which is useful to a wide range of users of financial statements for business decisions. If information presented in the financial statements is not full disclosure and/or is incorrect, the presented image of the business entity will be wrong, as well as business decisions made on the basis of such financial statements. Unfortunately, many entities knowingly manipulate revenues and expenses to manage earnings in a way that suits the entity management. Detecting frauds in financial statements is the primary task of forensic accountants. This paper analyzes the possibilities of applying Benford’s law in the forensic analysis of income statements of economic entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to detect possible earnings manipulation. The results of the research confirm that the positions of revenues and expenses in the income statements of economic entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina generally follow Benford’s law, but also stress the need to increase attention and conduct additional forensic investigations for certain items as indicators of financial statement manipulation.

Abstract We are witnessing an increasing frequency of illegal actions and fraud in the business of legal entities, which directly reflects on the quality of information presented in financial statements. Internal audit does not primarily deal with the audit of financial statements, but through verifying the application of accounting policies and procedures it helps to gain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are reliable and that they are presented fairly. The role of internal audit in the fraud detection process is reflected in the fraud risk assessment in the internal audit planning process, and through performing work engagements to detecting them. In this paper, we will present risk assessment techniques, which the internal auditor can apply in quantitative and qualitative assessment of fraud risk, and in identifying priority areas/audit processes. The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of the role of internal audit, through the application of techniques, tools and prescribed responsibilities for risk assessment, in the process of detecting fraud in companies that cause incalculable damage on a daily basis.

The fair and reliable financial reporting of business entities is extremely im portant for strengthening the confidence among business entities, acting po sitively on the scope of business activities and achieved results. On the other hand, individuals, businesses and the entire society, suffered huge losses, due to the frauds in financial reports, by dropping the confidence in the accoun ting profession. The public’s expectations from the accounting profession are that its professionals consciously reject participation in any fraud activities, and be real fighters for the real financial reporting of the entities. In the light of specified expectations, this paper tries to consider the ability of students of economic specialization in Bosnia and Herzegovina in recognizing cases of false financial reporting among different situations that can(not) include fraud characteristics, and their readiness to take active participation in the fight against frauds in business entities and economic crimes, in general. The results of the research showed that research participants clearly recogni ze cases of false financial reporting among various fraudulent activities, that they have a high level of awareness regarding the seriousness of the fraud type and its negative consequences for entities, and that they express their unreserved readiness to report these cases to the competent authorities with the purpose of prosecution.