Live Online Certificate Course on Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations

Day 1: Understanding Evidence

Session 1: Basics of Evidence in Forensic Accounting

• Definition and Types of Evidence (Documentary, Physical, Digital, Testimonial)
• Importance of Evidence in Fraud Investigations
• Principles of Evidence Collection and Preservation
• Legal Admissibility of Evidence

Session 2: Case Study – Evidence Collection and Analysis

• Practical scenarios of identifying and collecting evidence
• Group activity: Evaluating and categorizing evidence

Session 3: Chain of Custody and Documentation

• Maintaining the integrity of evidence
• Real-world examples of mishandling evidence and its consequences

Day 2: Fraud Schemes

Session 1: Common Fraud Schemes

• Sales Skimming, Inventory Theft, Fictitious Expenses, Bribery, Vendor Favoritism
• Case Studies: Real-life examples of fraud schemes
• Identifying Red Flags and Risk Indicators

Session 2: Advanced Fraud Tactics

• Technology-Driven Fraud Schemes (AI, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency Frauds)
• Case Study: Unveiling complex frauds using forensic tools

Day 3: Analyzing Data

Session 1: Basics of Data Analysis for Fraud Detection

• Tools and Techniques for Fraud Analytics
• Using Excel, Data Visualization, and Specialized Forensic Tools

Session 2: Case-Based Data Analysis

• Hands-on exercise: Analyzing a dataset for anomalies
• Practical tips for identifying trends and unusual patterns

Session 3: Root Cause Analysis

• Tracing fraud back to its origin
• Group discussion on cases involving financial statement manipulation

Day 4: Litigation and Reporting

Session 1: Preparing for Litigation

• Role of a Forensic Accountant in Litigation
• Drafting Expert Witness Testimonies
• Case Study: Preparing for Court Proceedings

Session 2: Mistakes to Avoid in Forensic Investigations

• Common errors in evidence handling, analysis, and reporting
• Lessons learned from failed investigations

Session 3: The Art of Interviewing

• Conducting Effective Fraud Interviews
• Role-playing exercise: Interviewing suspects and witnesses

Day 5: Reporting and Standards

Session 1: Writing a Forensic Report

• Components of a Professional Forensic Report
• Tips for Clear, Concise, and Impactful Reporting
• Case Study: Reviewing and critiquing sample reports

Session 2: Introduction to FAIS

• Overview of Forensic Accounting and Investigation Standards (FAIS)
• Application of FAIS in Fraud Investigations
• Discussion: Practical use of FAIS in real-world cases