Financial Fraud Investigation Area Perfect for Problem Solvers

Financial Fraud Investigation encompasses both forensic accounting and audit investigations within the public or private sectors. In these areas, professionals investigate and analyze financial evidence, testify as witnesses, become involved in criminal investigations, uncover financial evidence in employee or insurance fraud cases and investigate in the rapidly evolving area of computer fraud. Those employed in this field have titles such as: Forensic Accounting/Litigation Consultant, Tax Auditor, Gaming Investigator, Insurance Investigator, Bank Investigator and Internal Auditor. In recent years, the demand for entry-level professionals with formal education in fraud and forensic accounting has grown.

If you are considering attending a post-secondary Financial Fraud Investigation program, you should: have an interest in analyzing and reporting on a variety of financial information, and criminal accounting investigations and civil proceedings; enjoy problem solving; and be organized in your work and pay attention to detail.

One post-secondary institution offering a Financial Fraud Investigation program that includes forensic accounting fraud training is Centennial College. Its two-semester offering is geared to those who have completed a recognized diploma or degree program and wish to acquire a specialization in the emerging field. In addition to submitting an official transcript that demonstrates proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma in business or accounting, applicants must: attend an interview session and present a resume, and be prepared to test their English and/or math skills. Please note that applicants who present a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience will be considered.

In just two semesters, the forensic accounting program gives students essential skills and knowledge in forensic accounting and investigation techniques. Key topics are covered through practical and theoretical learning. Among these topics are: investigating and analyzing financial evidence, testifying as a witness, becoming involved in criminal investigations and uncovering financial evidence in employee or insurance fraud cases, and investigating in the rapidly evolving area of computer fraud. In addition, all of the topics covered with the Financial Fraud Investigation offering are taught by instructors who are industry experts and can enhance their students’ learning by offering personal anecdotes and connecting students with industry professionals.

In each of their Financial Fraud Investigation semesters, students attend six courses. The first semester consists of: Introduction to Fraud Examinations, Financial Crimes Investigation, Introduction to Intelligence Gathering, Financial Institutions & Identity Theft, International Legal Elements and Professional Court Presentation. Meanwhile, second semester Financial Fraud Investigation courses include: Advanced Fraud Examinations, Forensic Accounting, Investigative Methodologies, Ethics and Fraud Criminology, Practical Fraud Investigation and Case Management, and Interview and Interrogations.

In addition to receiving an Ontario College Graduate Certificate, the Financial Fraud Investigation program also prepares students for the Certified Fraud Examiner examination.