Students
ACCG847 – Forensic Accounting
2015 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Renee Radich
Contact via renee.radich@mq.edu.au
4-6 pm Wednesday. The preferred initial contact is via email to confirm a location.
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ACCG611 or admission to MAdvProfAcc or admission to MCorpGvnce prior to 2013
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines various techniques of financial fraud prevention, investigation and detection. Topics will include: motivations for financial fraud, symptoms of financial fraud, financial statement fraud, evidence collection and evaluation, legal report writing, interviewing witnesses and perpetrators, and fraud prevention. Case studies will be used.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud
- Identify and analyse risk & management weaknesses from a fraud perspective
- Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud
- Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports
- Understand and use sources of information
- Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud
General Assessment Information
To complete this unit satisfactorily, students must attempt all components of the assessments and obtain a minimum aggregate grade of 50%. No extensions will be granted. No supplementary tests will be offered except as approved under the the University's Disruption to Studies Policy. The Policy applies only to serious and unavoidable disruptions that arise after a study period has commenced.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Class Participation | 20% | In designated seminars |
| Case Study/ Report | 30% | 20 May 2015 by 5pm |
| Class Test 1 | 25% | 22 April 2015 |
| Class Test 2 | 25% | 3 June 2015 |
Class Participation
Due: In designated seminars
Weighting: 20%
Individuals will be required to actively contribute to assigned class activities and discussions each week. Activities assigned each week will also be submitted online prior to the commencement of the seminar.
Submission:
In your designated seminars.
Extension:
No extension will be granted.
Penalties:
A mark of ZERO will be assigned for non-submission.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud
- Identify and analyse risk & management weaknesses from a fraud perspective
- Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud
- Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports
- Understand and use sources of information
- Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud
Case Study/ Report
Due: 20 May 2015 by 5pm
Weighting: 30%
Case study by a group of 4/5 students.
Submission:
One report for each group is to be submitted online in iLearn by 5pm 20 May 2015. A ten minute presentation by each group will be required in class time on 27 May.
Extension:
No extension will be granted. Please refer to the University's Disruption to Studies Policy.
Penalties:
Students who have not submitted the task prior to the dealine will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and analyse risk & management weaknesses from a fraud perspective
- Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud
- Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports
- Understand and use sources of information
Class Test 1
Due: 22 April 2015
Weighting: 25%
Submission:
A 1 hour written test will be held in class and designed to assess a student's knowledge .
Extension:
No extension will be granted. No supplementary test will be offered except in cases in which an application is made and approved under the University's Disruption to Studies Policy.
Penalties:
A mark of ZERO will be awarded for not sitting the examination.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud
- Identify and analyse risk & management weaknesses from a fraud perspective
- Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud
- Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports
Class Test 2
Due: 3 June 2015
Weighting: 25%
Submission:
A 1 hour written test will be held in class and designed to assess a student's knowledge .
Extension:
No extension will be granted. No supplementary test will be offered except in cases in which an application is made and approved under the University's Disruption to Studies Policy.
Penalties:
A mark of ZERO will be assigned for not sitting the examination.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and analyse risk & management weaknesses from a fraud perspective
- Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud
- Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports
- Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud
Delivery and Resources
CLASSES
Students are required to attend one 3 hours face-to-face seminar per week. This will be held in W5A 204 on Wednesdays between 6pm and 9pm.
The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at:
http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS
The following text is available from the Co-op Bookshop:
Albrecht, S. W., Albrecht C.C., Albrecht C.O. and Zimbelman M.F., 2011, Fraud Examination, South Western, 5th Edition,
ISBN: 978-1-305-07914-4
This text will be supplemented with readings available on the unit web site. Also see the seminar discussion and assignments.
The following Journals are useful as additional references:
Journal of Forensic Accounting, Auditing and Fraud
Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting
Managerial Auditing Journal
Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory
Computer Fraud and Security
Forensic Science
Forensic Science International
Environmental Forensics
TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
Students are expected to have:
Proficiency in Word, Excel and Powerpoint
Knowledge of Macquarie University ilearn - for downloading lecture materials, etc
Knowledge of the library research databases - for accessing additional research material.
Access to a personal computer to be able to access iLearn and submit completed assessment material online.
UNIT WEB PAGE
Course material is available on the learning management system (ilearn). The web page for this unit can be found at:
http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/index.htm
Unit Schedule
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Week
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Topic |
Reading |
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25 February |
Overview and introduction to nature of fraud |
Albrecht 1 KPMG Fraud Survey |
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4 March |
Why People Commit Fraud |
Albrecht 2 |
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11 March |
Fraud Prevention |
Albrecht 3 & 4 |
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18 March |
Fraud Detection |
Albrecht 5 |
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25 March |
Financial Investigation |
Albrecht 7 & 8 |
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1 April |
Inquiry Methods and Fraud Reports |
Albrecht 10 |
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8 April and 15 April |
Mid-Session break |
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22 April |
Financial statement fraud - overview Class Test 1 |
Albrecht 11
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29 April |
Financial statement fraud - revenue and inventory related |
Albrecht 12 |
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6 May |
Financial statement fraud - liability, asset and inadequate disclosure |
Albrecht 13 |
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13 May |
Fraud Against Organisations |
Albrecht 14 |
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20 May |
Consumer Fraud and Fraud in E-Commerce Group Case Study due online |
Albrecht 15 & 17 |
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27 May |
Current Issues in Fraud Group Case Study Presentations |
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3 June |
Class Test 2 |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Grades
Macquarie University uses the following grades in coursework units of study:
- HD - High Distinction
- D - Distinction
- CR - Credit
- P - Pass
- F - Fail
Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Grading Policy which is available at:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grading Appeals and Final Examination Script Viewing
If, at the conclusion of the unit, you have performed below expectations, and are considering lodging an appeal of grade and/or viewing your final exam script please refer to the following website which provides information about these processes and the cut off dates in the first instance. Please read the instructions provided concerning what constitutes a valid grounds for appeal before appealing your grade.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud
- Identify and analyse risk & management weaknesses from a fraud perspective
- Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud
- Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports
- Understand and use sources of information
- Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- Case Study/ Report
- Class Test 1
- Class Test 2
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud
- Identify and analyse risk & management weaknesses from a fraud perspective
- Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud
- Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports
- Understand and use sources of information
- Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- Case Study/ Report
- Class Test 1
- Class Test 2
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud
- Identify and analyse risk & management weaknesses from a fraud perspective
- Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud
- Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports
- Understand and use sources of information
- Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- Case Study/ Report
- Class Test 1
- Class Test 2
Research and Practice, Global and Sustainability
Students are expected to spend 150 hours working on this unit. As a guide a student should spend these approximate amounts of time on each of the following activities:
| Activities | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weekly Seminars | 39 |
| 2 | Class Test 1 | 20 |
| 3 | Class Test 2 | 20 |
| 4 | Case Study Report | 25 |
| 5 | Case Study Presentation | 6 |
| 6 | Readings and Self Study | 40 |
| Total | 150 |
The unit gives you opportunities to conduct your own research and gives you practice in applying research findings in your assessment tasks. Students will be required to use library resources to research beyond these materials in undertaking research to complete their tasks.
The unit introduces addresses global and sustainability issues as direct areas of study and as necessary implications arising from the materials, assessment and academic discussion and debate in seminars. We promote sustainability by developing ability in students to research and locate information within the Forensic Accounting discipline. We aim to provide students with an opportunity to obtain skills that will benefit them throughout their career.
The unit materials have a reference list at the end of each chapter in the prescribed text containing all references used by the authors. These provide some guidance to references that could be used to research particular issues.