Forensic Accounting

Catalog description

Forensic accounting has become a major line of business for public accounting firms. In addition, it constitutes a sizable portion of the work of internal auditors. In part because its emergence is relatively recent, it is not represented in the traditional accounting curriculum. The audit of the financial statements does not include more than nominal attention to fraud; therefore, the two topics are quite distinct. With stories of fraud and various forms of financial misappropriation always in the popular press, students have a high level of interest in the subject matter. The general aspiration of this course is to expose students to a world that most have had no previous awareness of. Although the methods of taking other people's money are very dynamic, students will gain appreciation of the classic methods. The other major component of the class will be an effort to apprise students about the systems in place to detect and punish wrongdoers. This intensive course explores the evolving world of fraud and forensic accounting, focusing on both classic and emerging threats in a digital, globalized economy. Students will develop practical skills in fraud detection, investigation, and prevention, leveraging modern analytical tools, digital forensics, and behavioral insights. The course emphasizes real-world cases, hands-on projects, and critical thinking about ethics, controls, and the impact of technology.