A powerful new tool for all forensic accountants, or anyone whoanalyzes data that may have been altered Benford's Law gives the expected patterns of the digits in thenumbers in tabulated data such as town and city populations orMadoff's fictitious portfolio returns. Those digits, in unaltereddata, will not occur in equal proportions; there is a large biastowards the lower digits, so much so that nearly one-half of allnumbers are expected to start with the digits 1 or 2. Thesepatterns were originally discovered by physicist Frank Benford inthe early 1930s, and have since been found to apply to alltabulated data. Mark J. Nigrini has been a pioneer in applyingBenford's Law to auditing and forensic accounting, even before hisgroundbreaking 1999 Journal of Accountancy article introducing thisuseful tool to the accounting world. In Benford's Law, Nigrinishows the widespread applicability of Benford's Law and itspractical uses to detect fraud, errors, and other anomalies. Explores primary, associated, and advanced tests, all describedwith data sets that include corporate payments data and electiondata Includes ten fraud detection studies, including vendor fraud,payroll fraud, due diligence when purchasing a business, and taxevasion Covers financial statement fraud, with data from Enron, AIG,and companies that were the target of hedge fund short sales Looks at how to detect Ponzi schemes, including data on Madoff,Waxenberg, and more Examines many other applications, from the Clinton tax returnsand the charitable gifts of Lehman Brothers to tax evasion andnumber invention Benford's Law has 250 figures and uses 50 interestingauthentic and fraudulent real-world data sets to explain boththeory and practice, and concludes with an agenda and directionsfor future research. The companion website adds additionalinformation and resources.
The Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program (21.5 CPE credits) covers those areas representative of the AICPA's Body of Knowledge in the financial forensics area. This certificate program is tailored to provide an introduction to financial forensics and help you become familiar with the forensic accountant's professional responsibility. It provides a foundational knowledge of: The legal system How to plan and prepare a forensic engagement Gathering information Discovery Reporting Providing expert testimony This online CPE self-study certificate program consists of 19 required modules that utilize interactive scenario-based learning, including audio and video animation, to guide you through the concepts, including: AICPA Guidance for the Forensic Engagement Understanding the Forensic Accountant Role Understanding the Basic Structure of the Legal System Managing the Forensic Engagement Identifying and Obtaining Evidence Conducting Effective Interviews Common Investigative Techniques Deposition and Testimony Reporting Requirements & Preparing Sustainable Reports Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Reorganization Leveraging Technology in Forensic Engagements Economic Damages in Business Economic Damages for Individuals: A CPA's Role Economic Damages for Individuals: Case Studies and Analysis Calculating Intellectual Property Infringement Damages Family Law Engagements Fraud Prevention, Detection, and Response Financial Statement Fraud and Asset Misappropriation Valuations in Litigation Matters Key Topics Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Reorganization Computer Forensic Analysis Economic Damages Calculations Family Law Financial Statement Misrepresentation Fraud Prevention, Detection and Response Valuation Learning Objectives Interpret regulatory standards and legal system requirements applicable to forensic accounting engagements Describe the elements essential to accepting forensic accounting engagements such as identifying the engagement terms and client provisions, managing the engagement, and reporting requirements Identify the means of gathering evidence and conducting research critical to forensic engagements through the use of effective interviewing and investigative techniques Describe the role of the expert and non-expert in participating in depositions and providing testimony Credit Info CPE CREDITS: Online: 21.5 (CPE credit info) NASBA FIELD OF STUDY: Accounting LEVEL: Basic PREREQUISITES: None ADVANCE PREPARATION: None DELIVERY METHOD: QAS Self-Study COURSE ACRONYM: FACERTBundle.EL Online Access Instructions A personal pin code is enclosed in the physical packaging that may be activated online upon receipt. Once activated, you will gain immediate online access to the product. System Requirements AICPA’s online CPE courses will operate in a variety of configurations, but only the configuration described below is supported by AICPA technicians. A stable and continuous internet connection is required. In order to record your completion of the online learning courses, please ensure you are connected to the internet at all times while taking the course. It is your responsibility to validate that CPE certificate(s) are available within your account after successfully completing the course and/or exam. Supported Operating Systems: Macintosh OS X 10.10 to present Windows 7 to present Supported Browsers: Apple Safari Google Chrome Microsoft Internet Explorer Mozilla Firefox Required Browser Plug-ins: Adobe Flash Adobe Acrobat Reader Technical Support: Please contact [email protected]. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program? Developed by the AICPA, this certificate program is specially designed to help accountants and others 1) build the knowledge needed to gain a basic understanding of the field of forensic accounting, 2) earn CPE credits needed to meet the 75-hour education requirement for the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential, or 3) earn CPE credits needed to maintain the CFF credential. Why should I participate? Certificate holders will learn or be refreshed on the core material in professional standards that applies to forensic engagements. The program provides participants with a solid understanding of how to work within the court system when engaged as a forensic accountant. With information provided by subject matter experts from each of the specialization areas, participants are provided first-hand knowledge that guides them through solid investigation, documentation, reporting and other required skills. A series of 20 courses takes you through the "best practices" styles for performing an engagement. These knowledge and skills are necessary for an accountant and others who are considering entering or are already in the field of forensic accounting. Is the certificate program available to both CPAs and other accounting professionals who are not CPAs? Yes. The courses that comprise the Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program curriculum are available for CPAs, CAs and other accounting professionals who do not have one of these credentials or their equivalent. What level of knowledge should I possess prior to starting the certificate program? All individuals pursuing the Forensic Accounting Certificate of Achievement should possess a base knowledge of AICPA Auditing Standards. What course topics are included in the curriculum? The certificate program includes 19 required modules, including: 3 Fundamental modules, 6 Forensic Engagement modules, and 10 Specialized Knowledge modules. In total, the program provides 21.5 CPE hours at a basic level. Visit AICPAStore.com/forensic for a list of modules included in the program. All modules will be approximately 50-minutes long and provide individual CPE credit upon successful completion of the end-of-module exam. Some modules may be longer than 50 minutes, as required by the depth or complexity of the content, with a maximum length of 2 hours. How long will it take me to complete all of courses of the Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program? This varies from individual to individual and is completely dependent upon the time the participant allocates to completing the coursework. There is a commitment of 21.5 required hours to successfully complete the program. What period of time do I have to complete the entire curriculum? Once you enter the program you have twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase. You are encouraged to complete the program within a twelve (12) month period or less. Once I complete the curriculum and obtain my Forensic Accounting Certificate of Achievement, is there a time period for which it is "active?" No. The Forensic Accounting Certificate is not a professional credential or license. It is evidence of successful completion of a required course curriculum as of a point in time. As a result, it has no period for which it is deemed "active" or in-force. Am I required to obtain a certain number of CPE credits annually for the certificate to remain current and active? No. The Forensic Accounting Certificate of Achievement is not a professional credential or license. It is evidence of successful completion of a required course curriculum as of a point in time. As a result, it has no period for which it is deemed "active" or in-force. If I am a CPA, will I receive CPE credit toward my CPA license if I take this program? Yes, all of the courses in the Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program will qualify for CPE credit. The AICPA is a NASBA-approved provider of CPE. How many credits of CPE will I receive if I earn the certificate? Completing the curriculum will result in earning 21.5 credits. All of these credit hours will qualify for CPE credit and can count toward meeting your state's CPE requirements. Will the CPE credit satisfy my requirements for CMA, CIA or other certifications? The courses in the Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program will be classified as Accounting for purposes of granting CPE credits. As with other AICPA courses that are approved for other certifications, we fully expect the Forensic Accounting Certificate courses will satisfy those requirements. To be certain, please check with the organization that issues your CMA, CIA or other certifications. If I am unable to complete the entire Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program, will I receive CPE credit for the courses I do complete? Yes. The courses are offered individually, so you will earn NASBA QAS CPE credit for each course you take and successfully complete the exam. You are not required to complete the entire program to earn CPE credit. However, you must successfully complete the exam for all required courses in the entire program in order to receive the Forensic Accounting Certificate of Achievement. I have prior experience in working with forensic accounting. Will I be allowed to test out of certain courses while still earning the certificate? Actual completion of the courses is required to earn the Forensic Accounting Certificate. CPE credit will be awarded for the courses, and the CPE standards do not allow for "testing out of" a course as a way to earn credit. Is the entire program fixed, or are their elective courses I can select from in earning the certificate? The curriculum for the Forensic Accounting Certificate is fixed. It is designed to provide participants with a solid understanding of knowledge required to perform forensic accounting engagements. In order to receive the Forensic Accountant Certificate of Achievement all required modules must be completed. What are the systems requirements for the e-learning portion of the program? Please review the information on the System Requirements tab for this product for complete information on minimum operating system and browser requirements. I am already proficient in forensic accounting but would like to learn more about a few select topics that are specific to my job. Can I purchase individual titles in the Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program separately? Yes. Courses in the Certificate Program may be purchased individually. If you decide that you would like to enroll in the full Certificate Program after purchasing one or more individual courses, credit for those courses may be applied to the purchase amount of the full program as long as they have been purchased within one year of enrolling in the full program. Please call the AICPA service center at 888.777.7077 for more information. Can credits earned in the Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program be applied towards the 75-hour minimum CPE requirement to apply for the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) Credential? Yes. Courses in the Certificate Program can be applied toward the requirement to apply for the credential as well as the ongoing education requirement. When will I receive a hard copy of my certificate? You will receive your certificate in the mail 6-8 weeks after completing the program.
A practical, hands-on guide to forensic accounting Careers in forensic accounting are hot-US News & World Report recently designated forensic accounting as one of the eight most secure career tracks in America., Forensic accountants work in most major accounting firms and demand for their services is growing with then increasing need for investigations of mergers and acquisitions, tax inquiries, and economic crime. In addition, forensic accountants perform specialized audits, and assist in all kinds of civil litigation, and are often involved in terrorist investigations. Forensic Accounting For Dummies will track to a course and explain the concepts and methods of forensic accounting. Covers everything a forensic accountant may face, from investigations of mergers and acquisitions to tax inquiries to economic crime What to do if you find or suspect financial fraud in your own organization Determining what is fraud and how to investigate Whether you're a student pursuing a career in forensic accounting or just want to understand how to detect and deal with financial fraud, Forensic Accounting For Dummies has you covered.
As economic crimes continue to increase, accountants and law enforcement personnel must be vigilant in expanding their knowledge of ways to detect these clandestine operations. Written by a retired IRS agent with more than twenty years of experience, Financial Investigation and Forensic Accounting, Third Edition offers a complete examination of the current methods and legal considerations involved in the detection and prosecution of economic crimes. Explores a range of crimes Following an overview of the economic cost of crime, the book examines different types of offenses with a financial element, ranging from arson to tax evasion. It explores offshore activities and the means criminals use to hide their ill-gotten gains. The author provides a thorough review of evidentiary rules as well as the protocol involved in search warrants. He examines the two modalities used to prove financial crime: the Net Worth Method and the Expenditure Theory, and presents an example scenario based on real-life incidents. Organized crime and consumer fraud Additional topics include organized crime and money laundering — with profiles of the most nefarious cartels — consumer and business fraud and the different schemes that befall the unwary, computer crimes, and issues surrounding banking and finance. The book also presents focused and concrete advice on trial preparation and specific accounting and audit techniques. New chapters in the third edition New material enhances this third edition, including new chapters on investigative interview analysis and document examination, as well as advice for fraud examiners working on private cases, including the preparation of an engagement letter. For a successful prosecution, it is essential to recognize financial crime at its early stages. This practical text presents the nuts and bolts of fraud examination and forensic accounting, enabling investigators to stay ahead of an area that is increasingly taking on global importance.
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination introduces students and professionals to the world of fraud detection and deterrence, providing a solid foundation in core concepts and methods for both public and private sector environments. Aligned with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) model curriculum, this text provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of asset misappropriation, corruption, fraud, and other topics a practicing forensic accountant encounters on a daily basis. A focus on real-world practicality employs current examples and engaging case studies to reinforce comprehension, while in-depth discussions clarify technical concepts in an easily relatable style. End of chapter material and integrated IDEA and Tableau software cases introduces students to the powerful, user-friendly tools accounting professionals use to maximize auditing and analytic capabilities, detect fraud, and comply with documentation requirements, and coverage of current methods and best practices provides immediate relevancy to real-world scenarios. Amidst increased demand for forensic accounting skills, even for entry-level accountants, this text equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully engage in the field.
The highly experienced authors of the Essentials of Forensic Accounting define and explain the disciplined approaches to forensic accounting that lead to a thorough knowledge of the varied specialties within forensic accounting. Through illustrative examples and explanations, this book makes abstract concepts come to life for both seasoned professionals and students and it will help them understand and navigate successfully in this multifaceted area. The Essentials of Forensic Accounting is an indispensable resource delivering matchless knowledge to practitioners, financial managers and students in understanding the complex elements and factors that impact the forensic accounting practice areas. This vital reference resource focuses the elements that must come together to effectively diminish the incidence and impact of fraudulent activities. The book addresses the main themes of Professional Responsibilities and Practice Management Fundamental Forensic Knowledge, Laws, Courts, and Dispute Resolution Specialized Forensic Knowledge, Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Reorganization
FRAUD AUDITING AND FORENSIC ACCOUNTING With the responsibility of detecting and preventing fraud falling heavily on the accounting profession, every accountant needs to recognize fraud and learn the tools and strategies necessary to catch it in time. Providing valuable information to those responsible for dealing with prevention and discovery of financial deception, Fraud Auditing and Forensic Accounting, Fourth Edition helps accountants develop an investigative eye toward both internal and external fraud and provides tips for coping with fraud when it is found to have occurred. Completely updated and revised, the new edition presents: Brand-new chapters devoted to fraud response as well as to the physiological aspects of the fraudster A closer look at how forensic accountants get their job done More about Computer-Assisted Audit Tools (CAATs) and digital forensics Technological aspects of fraud auditing and forensic accounting Extended discussion on fraud schemes Case studies demonstrating industry-tested methods for dealing with fraud, all drawn from a wide variety of actual incidents Inside this book, you will find step-by-step keys to fraud investigation and the most current methods for dealing with financial fraud within your organization. Written by recognized experts in the field of white-collar crime, this Fourth Edition provides you, whether you are a beginning forensic accountant or an experienced investigator, with industry-tested methods for detecting, investigating, and preventing financial schemes.
For courses in Forensic Accounting As a result of increased litigation and regulatory enforcement, the demand for forensic accountants has never been higher. This area of specialty is considered the top niche market in the accounting profession. The new Forensic Accounting is the first text of its kind to provide a comprehensive view of what forensic accountants actually do and how they do it. With experience as both practitioners and educators, authors Robert Rufus, Laura Miller, and William Hahn offer a unique perspective that bridges the gap between theory and practice. They present concepts in the context of a scientific approach, emphasising critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving—skills that are useful in a wide variety of academic and professional environments. And because its content is consistent with the AICPA curriculum for the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential, this text gives your students a head start on the path toward career advancement. Forensic Accounting facilitates an outstanding teaching and learning experience—for you and your students. It will help you to: Introduce the requisite forensic accounting skills: The text identifies a three-layer skill set and provides students instruction in the key areas of forensic accounting expertise. Offer an inside view into forensic accounting practice: Integrated case studies and sample documents give students a glimpse into the actual practice of forensic accounting. Highlight the importance of a scientific approach: The authors explain the benefits of utilising a scientific approach and provide opportunities for students to practice its application. Foster thorough understanding via learning aids: Various tools, throughout the text and at the end of each chapter, support students as they learn and review. The full text downloaded to your computer With eBooks you can: search for key concepts, words and phrases make highlights and notes as you study share your notes with friends eBooks are downloaded to your computer and accessible either offline through the Bookshelf (available as a free download), available online and also via the iPad and Android apps. Upon purchase, you'll gain instant access to this eBook. Time limit The eBooks products do not have an expiry date. You will continue to access your digital ebook products whilst you have your Bookshelf installed.
Discover how to detect fraud, biases, or errors in your data using Access or Excel With over 300 images, Forensic Analytics reviews and shows how twenty substantive and rigorous tests can be used to detect fraud, errors, estimates, or biases in your data. For each test, the original data is shown with the steps needed to get to the final result. The tests range from high-level data overviews to assess the reasonableness of data, to highly focused tests that give small samples of highly suspicious transactions. These tests are relevant to your organization, whether small or large, for profit, nonprofit, or government-related. Demonstrates how to use Access, Excel, and PowerPoint in a forensic setting Explores use of statistical techniques such as Benford's Law, descriptive statistics, correlation, and time-series analysis to detect fraud and errors Discusses the detection of financial statement fraud using various statistical approaches Explains how to score locations, agents, customers, or employees for fraud risk Shows you how to become the data analytics expert in your organization Forensic Analytics shows how you can use Microsoft Access and Excel as your primary data interrogation tools to find exceptional, irregular, and anomalous records.
