Course Introduction

FCC 9 : Forensic Accounting

  • Course Outline
  • Curriculum
  • FAQ
  • Case Studies
  • Reviews

Course Start Date        : 2nd Sept 2024

Last Date to Register : 25th Aug 2024

Forensic accounting is the branch of accounting that uses accounting, auditing, and investigative techniques to detect and analyze financial frauds for an individual or business. The online Forensic Accounting Foundation Certificate Course by Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (SIFS India) is crafted for finance professionals who want to combine their finance expertise with the skills required to uncover financial crimes and provide support to legal proceedings.

The course is of one-month duration, and our expert instructors in the field of forensic accounting will take you through a curriculum that is a perfect blend of theory and practical exercises along with real-life financial fraud cases. You will learn about the root causes of fraud, evidence handling, money laundering, corporate fraud, fraudster psychology, bank frauds, digital frauds, risk managements, fraud detection and prevention, financial evidence analysis, financial reporting, and how to provide expert testimony in a court of law.

This course is apt for both newbies who want to become forensic accountants and finance professionals looking to enhance their skills or for career advancement. It will open doors to careers in fraud examination, forensic accounting, or related fields. Join us to gain skills to apply accounting principles to legal investigations, decode financial mysteries, and make an impact in the world of finance and law.


Become Proficient to Answer:

- What are the key components of forensic accounting, and how does the mindset of a forensic accountant differ from that of a conventional accountant?

- How do forensic accountants define and categorize evidence, and what is the principle of CIA (confidentiality, integrity, and availability)?

- What are the different types of corporate fraud, and how do psychological factors influence fraudsters?

- What steps are involved to detect and investigate corporate fraud, and what strategies can be implemented for fraud prevention?

- What is tax fraud, and how can it be resolved? What are some common financial crimes like excess bank charges, racketeering, and counterfeiting currency?

- What are the various types of digital fraud and ways to identify and prevent e-commerce fraud?

- What is the relationship between risk management and fraud detection and prevention, and what are the roles and responsibilities of a financial risk manager?

- What are the different types of audits, including internal and external audits, and what auditing techniques are used by forensic accountants?

- How does the "Use of Barium Test" method contribute to fraud investigation in forensic accounting?

- What is the purpose of conducting interviews, and what characteristics make for a good interviewer and interviewee?

- What is the largest credit heist in history, and how do technological advancements create opportunities for fraudsters?

- What strategies and measures can be implemented to combat fraud against a company, including internal controls, proactive fraud audits, and regular audits?

- What qualifications must a forensic accountant possess to serve as an expert witness in court, and how do they develop and present forensic reports in various formats?


Learning Outcomes:

Financial Analysis Skills: You will gain financial analysis skills, analyze financial data, identify irregularities, and examine the financial health of individuals and organizations.

Fraud Detection and Prevention: You will gain knowledge to detect and create strategies to prevent financial frauds, recognize red flags, carry out fraud investigations, and implement fraud prevention measures.

Forensic Accounting Techniques: You will gain expertise to apply forensic accounting methodologies, like analysis of financial statements, tracing financial transactions, and presenting financial evidence in legal proceedings.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: You will acquire a deep understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with forensic accounting practice.

Expert Testimony Skills: You will get equipped with the skills needed to provide expert testimony in court and effectively communicate complex financial findings and analysis to legal professionals, judges, and juries.


Course Details:

Fee

National: 1770 INR (1500 INR + 18% GST)

International: 50 USD 

Duration

1 Month

Eligibility

12th Passed

Session Timing

From 6 to 7 PM IST  | Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Payment Details:

International Student : PayPal: forensicdocument@gmail.com

Account Details for National Student

Bank Name  - ICICI BANK
Acc. Name    - SIFS INDIA PVT. LTD.
Account No. - 663505500086
Type         - Current
IFSC Code    -   ICIC0000160
Address         - ICICI Bank, H-4, Model Town -III, New Delhi - 110009


  • Curriculum


    MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ACCOUNTING

    In this module, you will learn how to develop an auditor’s mindset and the difference between a traditional accountant and a forensic accountant. You will gain insights into the unique tenets of forensic accounting to detect and prevent financial fraud. The module also covers root causes of fraud, types of fraud, and factors leading to fraudulent activities, preparing to identify and effectively investigate fraud in a forensic context.

    MODULE 2 – UNDERSTANDING FORENSIC EVIDENCE AND INVESTIGATING FINANCIAL CRIMES

    In this module, you will understand the principles of forensic evidence, with an emphasis on the principles of chain of custody, integrity, and availability (CIA). You will learn about different types of financial evidence and how to collect, preserve, and analyze them. The module also covers evidence handling methods to maintain its admissibility in court, along with knowledge of financial crimes like investment scams and money laundering.

    MODULE 3 – CORPORATE FRAUD AND UNDERSTANDING FRAUDSTER PSYCHOLOGY

    This module focuses on corporate fraud and the types of fraud that can affect organizations. You will learn about fraud both against and within organizations with an understanding of the techniques fraudsters use to commit financial fraud. This module also covers the psychology of fraudsters, factors, and behavioral patterns that prompt individuals to commit fraud within a corporate context. You will be able to safeguard the financial integrity of organizations.

    MODULE 4 – DETECTING AND INVESTIGATING CORPORATE FRAUD

    In this module, you will learn about corporate fraud detection and investigation techniques, including financial fraud analysis. You will gain insights about investigative processes to decipher financial fraud within corporate environments effectively. This module also covers the significance of fraud prevention measures needed to safeguard organizations, ensuring their financial stability and market reputation.

    MODULE 5 – INVESTIGATING VARIOUS TYPES OF FINANCIAL FRAUD

    This module focuses on various types of financial frauds like tax fraud, resolution of fraud cases, auditing for excess bank charges, racketeering, labor racketeering, loan sharking, bank frauds, larceny, and counterfeiting currency. You will gain an understanding of how to investigate and address each type efficiently. This module will equip you with the knowledge to handle complex financial fraud scenarios across various sectors and industries.

    MODULE 6 – E-COMMERCE FRAUD AND CYBERCRIME

    In this module, you will learn about digital fraud and cybercrime, with a focus on e-commerce fraud. You will learn about signs and indicators of e-commerce fraud and strategies used by digital criminals. It also covers methods to safeguard individuals and businesses from falling victim to digital fraud. You will also gain skills to investigate digital crimes, like tracing digital footprints, analyzing online transactions, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to bring cybercriminals to justice.

    MODULE 7 – FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FRAUD PREVENTION

    This module focuses on the importance of risk management in financial reporting. You will learn about the risk management cycle, which includes identifying potential risk areas and applying fraud risk management strategies. This module also covers the roles and responsibilities of financial risk managers and their role in spotting red flags for effective risk mitigation. You will learn fraud prevention theory, including the tools required to protect financial systems from fraudulent activities with continuous monitoring.

    MODULE 8 – AUDITING TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

    In this module, you will learn about auditing concepts and their types, including internal and external audits. You will gain an in-depth understanding of two auditing techniques, namely, the "Tiger Team Test" and the "Application of Bedford's Theorem." With these methods, you will gain skills to evaluate and assess the reliability and accuracy of financial and operational systems and will be able to discover discrepancies and possible fraudulent activities during audits.

    MODULE 9 – ADVANCED AUDITING METHODS

    This module covers advanced auditing methods, including the "Use of Barium Test," "Data Analysis for Fraud Investigation," "Application of Inverse Logic," and "Use of Space-Time Dimension in Data Evaluation." You will gain knowledge about tools to carry out thorough audits, detect anomalies, and reveal potential fraudulent activities. This module will equip you with basic detection-and-prevention forensic accounting skills.

    MODULE 10 – EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

    In this module, you will learn about the purpose of interviews in forensic accounting and the characteristics of a good interviewer. You will learn the art of planning and conducting interviews, with a focus on using audio and video recording methods to capture accurate testimonies. Also, you will gain knowledge about types of witnesses and how to modify your interview techniques for different scenarios to extract vital information and evidence during investigations.

    MODULE 11 – ADVANCED FRAUD SCHEMES AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT

    This module covers a few of the most notable financial fraud cases, with a special focus on the largest credit heist ever recorded. You will learn how fraudsters use technological advancements to their advantage, like intellectual property theft. You will gain insights about the methods used in these high-profile cases, the evolving landscape of financial fraud, and the need to protect intellectual property in the digital age.

    MODULE 12 – STRATEGIES TO COMBAT CORPORATE FRAUD

    In this module, you will learn about strategies to fight against organizational fraud, focusing on implementing strong internal controls to prevent and detect fraudulent activities. You will learn about monitoring techniques like tracking vacation balances, developing an anti-fraud action program, fraud audits, the significance of conducting regular audits, and developing a cautious attitude against corporate fraud.

    MODULE 13 – FORENSIC ACCOUNTANTS AS EXPERT WITNESSES

    This module covers the role of forensic accountants as expert witnesses in courtroom proceedings and the qualifications and expertise needed. You will learn about forensic accounting evidence admissibility, how to present financial information in court, and under what circumstances. This module also covers various formats of forensic reports and approaches to developing thorough and persuasive forensic reports that can be a valuable asset in legal cases.

  • What steps should I follow to enroll for this foundation certificate course?

    To enroll, click on the “Register for Course” option available on the right side of the screen, followed by the provided instructions and payment procedure.

  • Who is eligible to enroll in this foundation certificate course?

    12th (of any stream) pass or any graduate student can enroll in the foundation certificate course.

  • How will I receive confirmation once I have completed the payment procedure?

    Admission Confirmation email will be sent to your registered email ID once the payment is verified.

  • Are there any prerequisites for this foundation certificate course?

    In case of any prerequisites provided by the resource person, we will provide the students with prior information on their WhatsApp group.

  • Are there any live lectures provided in this foundation certificate course?

    Yes, live lectures will be conducted through Zoom.

  • How will I receive the session joining link?

    Enrolled students will receive the session joining link via WhatsApp group.

  • What will be the duration of the lecture?

    The duration of each lecture will be 1 hour and 15 minutes of discussion.

  • Will I get the recorded lectures?

    Yes, recorded lectures will be provided through your portal.

  • Can the study materials be accessed at any time?

    All the course material will be available on the portal. Hence, you can access it 24/7 and study at your own pace.

  • What are the benefits of completing this foundation certificate course?

    Completing the Online Foundation Certificate Course will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required for entry-level positions. It can also serve as a strong foundation for further education or career advancement in forensic science.

  • Is there a certificate awarded upon completion of the foundation certificate course?

    Yes, upon successful completion of the foundation certificate course, you will receive an eCertificate, which can be a valuable addition to your resume and may enhance your career prospects in the field.

  • Where to contact in case of any queries?

    Write to us at education@sifs.in, call: +91-1147074263, or WhatsApp: +91-7303913002.  

Enron Scandal Case Study

The Enron Corporation was a Houston-based American organization that reported huge financial gains throughout the 1990s. However, in December 2011, the company reported bankruptcy, a little after its frauds came into the limelight. The fraud involved hiding several billion dollars from investors in debt.

Its former CEO Jeffrey Skilling and CFO Andrew Fastow, along with many other top-level company executives, were charged with criminal allegations for keeping trading losses undercover and manipulating financial records to present the business's success. Skilling has to face 24 years of imprisonment, and Fastow was sentenced for 10 years along with a fine of $23.8 million as he testified against other company executives.

In this case, the use of shredded document recovery and digital forensic techniques played a major role in uncovering the company’s fraud.

To hide the company’s financial records, hundreds of documents were destroyed using a cross-cut commercial shredding machine. The shredded paper was submitted to the FBI laboratory for reassembling. The officials referred to printing on the documents and cut patterns to reassemble the shreds into whole pages. These pages were then photographed and used as evidence during the trial.

Also, there was a large volume of electronic data that could prove beneficial for the investigation. Digital forensic experts were hired to extract the data and analyze it to check for potential financial fraud and other misconduct. Several specialized e-discovery tools, techniques, and software were used to look for keywords, analyze metadata, emails, memos, and other electronic documents, along with hard drive imaging to search for tampered data and other malicious activity.


Note: This is only a glimpse of one of a few case studies that we might cover. All case studies are subject to change as per current trends and developments, except a few famous ones from the past.

Mark David George

5

SIFS India's Forensic Accounting course is a financial detective's dream. Comprehensive, real-world cases, and expert guidance. A must-join program!

Rashi Verma

5

The forensic accounting online course was highly interactive. It was brilliantly taught and perfect for becoming aware of the involvement of forensics in uncovering financial frauds.

Prithvi Praveen

5

I learned a lot about fraud detection with expert mentors and gained knowledge for forensic accounting mastery.

Sadiqa Iqbal

5

Kudos to SIFS India! It was an exceptional course. Real-life case studies made the entire concept very easy to understand. Looking for a rewarding forensic accounting career ahead.

Sanjana Jain

5

The forensic accounting program was very engaging, insightful, and a ticket to the world of forensic finance.

 

Instructors

Geetha A Rubasundram

Geetha A Rubasundram

Chartered Accountant

Preview this course

₹ 1770
Call for Assistance
7303913002

Ask Your Query

Be a Part of Revolutionized Learning

Our courses acknowledge comprehensive learning through synergistic sessions and also while staying rooted.