By completing the Diploma in Forensic Accounting and Investigation, you will gain core skills to work as a Forensic Accountant and to act as an expert witness. The programme will equip you to lead investigations internally or externally and attracts internal auditors, corporate financiers and risk managers as well as forensic practitioners.

Diploma in Forensic Accounting

This Diploma in Forensic Accounting provides a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to an extraordinarily important and challenging area of modern finance.  Forensic accountants are required to work with businesses at all levels and public sector organisations alike, for the purposes of both investigating suspected fraudulent activity and generally monitoring, analysing and controlling appropriate use of business finances.

Diploma in Forensic Accounting

With no prior knowledge or experience required, this intensive Forensic Accounting Course, guides candidates through every important element of the forensic accountant’s responsibilities, along with the role such professionals play in a wide variety of settings.  Course content on this Forensic Accounting Certification, begins with a broad introduction to the concept of both forensic accounting and fraud, outlining exactly what it is that constitutes fraud and where the forensic accountant fits into the picture.

A variety of crucial and effective fraud detection techniques are introduced, along with the investigative process and various methods for gathering and producing the relevant evidence. Cyber-crime is also introduced, along with how to work both as part of a forensic team and as an independent contractor/consultant. Ultimately, candidates are instilled with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to begin outstanding new careers, or advance existing positions.  A wide variety of further-education options also open up.

Institute of Certified Forensic Accountants Membership

Students who have completed the Diploma in Forensic Accounting, from Brentwood Open Learning College, UK can apply under examination waiver programme for either of the following designations:

Certified Professional Forensic Accountant, if they have three years experience or Associate Certificate if they do not have three years experience.  An Associate can proceed to Certified professional Accountant designation after obtaining three years experience.

Institute of Certified Forensic Accountants 

Students who have completed the Diploma in Forensic Accounting, from Brentwood Open Learning College, UK can apply under examination waiver programme for either of the following designations:

Certified Professional Forensic Accountant, if they have three years experience or Associate Certificate if they do not have three years experience.  An Associate can proceed to Certified professional Accountant designation after obtaining three years experience.

Course Syllabus

Forensic Accounting Course : Key Topics

Diploma in Forensic Accounting consists of the following 12 units (For IFA endorsement) and 09 module for(QLS endorsement)

Unit 1 – Introduction to Forensic Accounting

In the first course unit, candidates are introduced to the role of the professional forensic accountant along with the primary responsibilities of accounting investigators and auditors.  A variety of types of fraud are discussed, along with the fraud cycle and the various skills and disciplines required to become a professional forensic accountant.

Unit 2 – Crime and Economy (For IFA endorsment only)

The second course unit moves on to the true cost of financial fraud, both in relation to specific businesses/organisations and society as a whole.  A variety of common financial crimes are investigated, along with the core elements of effective fraud investigation.

Unit 3 – Psychology of The Fraudster

Course content then moves on to the profiling of those involved in fraudulent activities, bringing to light the traits and behaviours of those who commit fraud at both high and low levels.  In addition, candidates also discover who it is that is most likely to be targeted by fraudsters.

Unit 4 – Fraud Detection Techniques

The fourth unit begins with an in-depth investigation of fraud detection techniques, incorporating a series of effective information gathering methods and fraud risk factors, along with professional analytical procedures and techniques.  The concept of financial statement fraud is introduced, along with revenue recognition detection.

Unit 5 – The Investigative Process

Candidates explore the investigative process in Unit 5, which incorporates valuable insights on the gathering of intelligence, case planning, establishing goals and ultimately initiating a case. Case evaluation is also discussed, along with why it is that comprehensive planning is of such importance.

Unit 6 – Gathering Evidence

The sixth unit turns attention to evidence gathering, covering the various types of evidence that should be gathered, evidence created specifically by the forensic accountant, the various types of documents likely to be encountered along the way and how documentary evidence can be used to prove or disprove a case.

Unit 7 – Obtaining & Evaluating Non-Financial Evidence

In the seventh unit, additional evidence of a non-financial nature is introduced – specifically the implementation of interviews and how to effectively analyse official statements.  Candidates learn how such evidence can be used in conjunction with financial evidence when looking to prove or disprove a case.

Unit 8 – Interviewing Financially Sophisticated Witnesses

Professional interview techniques form the core focus of Unit 8, which guides candidates through each important step of the interview process.  Course content covers the purpose of the interview, how to plan a professional interview and ultimately how to implement an effective interview when dealing with financially sophisticated witnesses.

Unit 9 – Fraud Risk Assessment

Risk analysis and assessment enter the discussion in the ninth unit, which introduces candidates to a wide variety of risk assessment factors and best practices.  Candidates learn how fraud risk prevention is preferable to combatting actual instances of fraud.

Unit 10 – Fraud Prevention

The theme of fraud prevention continues into Unit 10, which focuses more intensively on fraud policy and the enforcement of ethics.  Candidates further investigate the effective methods for preventing fraud in a variety of settings.

Unit 11 – Computer Crimes (For IFA endorsment only)

Cyber-crime forms the core focus of Unit 11, which outlines a variety of different types of cyber-data and crime, along with essential categorisations of computer crimes and associated theoretical teachings.

Unit 12 – Working in A Forensic Team (For IFA endorsment only)

In the final unit of the course, candidates comprehensively investigate how to work within a forensic team.  Course content covers how to cooperate with internal and external auditors, working towards a common goal and how to work in the company of other legally trained professionals, including lawyers.

DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTANCY (PART 1)

Introductory Financial Accounting	SAAA:201
Marketing Management	SAAA:202
General Management	SAAA:203
Business Communication	SAAA:204
Human Resources Management	SAAA:205

DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTANCY (PART 2)

Intermediate Financial Accounting	SAAA:301
Business Law	SAAA:302
Information Technology	SAAA:303
Cost Accounting	SAAA:304

DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTANCY (PART 3)

Quantitative and Research Methods	SAAA:401
Auditing	SAAA:402
Economics	SAAA:403
Corporate Law	SAAA:404
Taxation	SAAA:405

Entry Requirements

This programme has been designed to meet the needs of finance and business professionals including accountants.

Applications are welcomed from:

• Members of Chartered Accountants Ireland or another recognised professional body e.g. ICAS, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, and ICAEW
• Holders of a degree at Level 8 (on the NFQ) or equivalent qualification
• Those with relevant experience in finance, business or another field

Course fees

Fees are fully-inclusive and will cover: registration, course materials, tuition fees and exam fees.

	Fees
Chartered Accountants Ireland Member	€2,995 | £2,595
Other applicants	€3,295 | £2,765