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No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2016

ACG501 Forensic Accounting (8)

Abstract

Forensic accounting deals with investigative strategies and techniques designed to detect and report on financial fraud and “white collar” crime. Financial statement fraud, securities fraud, employee theft, money laundering and transnational fraud, e-commerce fraud and insurance fraud will be examined in terms of motivations, symptoms and detection. Investigative techniques, interviewing witnesses and perpetrators, evidence collection and evaluation, legal report writing and testifying are skills required by forensic accountants and will be developed in students by this subject. The importance of establishing policies for fraud prevention is emphasised.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: ACG501
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Accounting and Finance

Enrolment restrictions

Available to postgraduate students only.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain the role of the independent accountant in uncovering fraudulent activity.
  • be able to describe and critique the relationship between accounting and law in the prosecution of financial fraud.
  • be able to identify and respond to current and emerging forms of financial fraud.
  • be able to identify, analyse and interpret indicators of financially fraudulent activity.
  • be able to explain investigative processes and the nature and range of investigative techniques, and identify situations for their application.
  • be able to collect evidence and evaluate and analyse and present the results of investigation in a legal context.
  • be able to apply knowledge of accounting and business to practical case studies involving fraudulent activity.
  • be able to critical evaluate the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies in the prevention of financial fraud.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Forensic accounting and the role of the independent accountant
  • Types of financial fraud - current and emerging
  • Indicators of fraud in business
  • Financial statement fraud - case study
  • Fraud investigation: strategies, processes and techniques
  • Evidence collection, interpretation and reporting
  • Legal frameworks and litigation support from accountants
  • Fraud prevention in organisations

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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.