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.
