Students
ACCG847 – Forensic Accounting
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Moderator
Verity Greenwood
Contact via Email
Lecturer
John-Paul Monck
Contact via Email
Friday 12 noon - 1pm
Adam Marsden
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ACCG611 or admission to MAdvProfAcc
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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:
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. 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%.
Extensions
You are expected to submit written assessment tasks by the published due date UNLESS you have received written permission to submit your work at a later date from the Unit convenor. No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
Details of how the University defines serious and unavoidable disruption to studies, and information about the processes involved, are contained in the Disruptions to Studies Policy.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 12% | No | Weekly |
| Internal class test | 25% | No | Week commencing 11 Sep |
| Case Study/Report | 13% | No | 18 October 2017 |
| Final examination | 50% | No | Examinations period |
Participation
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 12%
Individuals will be required to attend and actively contribute to assigned class activities and discussions each week. Activities (homework) assigned each week will be required to be submitted online prior to the commencement of the next week's class.
Submission:
In your designated class.
Extension:
No extension will be granted.
Penalties:
A mark of ZERO will be assigned for weekly non-submission or non attendance.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
Internal class test
Due: Week commencing 11 Sep
Weighting: 25%
Submission:
A one hour written test will be held in class and designed to assess a student's knowledge. The class test wil be held the week commencing 11 September in your normal lecture class time and day.
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:
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
Case Study/Report
Due: 18 October 2017
Weighting: 13%
Case study by a group of 5/7 students.
Submission:
One report for each group is to be submitted online in iLearn by commencement of class 18 October 2017. The report will be worth 10 marks. Each group member will be asked to submit a percentage assessment of both their own input and the input of each class member in their group. These submissions will contribute to overall mark for each group member. A ten minute presentation by each group will be required in class time on 25 October 2017. The presentation wil be worth 3 marks.
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 deadline will be awarded a mark of zero for the task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
Final examination
Due: Examinations period
Weighting: 50%
Submission:
A one hour written exam will be held that is designed to assess a student's knowledge. The time and location of the exam will be determined by the Examinations Branch.
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:
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
Delivery and Resources
Students are required to attend one 3 hours face-to-face seminar per week.
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 text is recommended as useful resource:
Hopwood, W.S., Leiner, J. J. and Young G.R., 2012, Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, 2nd Edition.
ISBN 9780078136665
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 commencing |
Title |
Resource |
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31 July |
Overview and introduction to nature of fraud |
Albrecht 1 |
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7 August |
Why People Commit Fraud |
Albrecht 2 |
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14 August |
Fraud Prevention |
Albrecht 3 & 4 |
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21 August |
Fraud Detection |
Albrecht 5 |
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28 August |
Financial Investigation |
Albrecht 7 & 8 |
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4 September |
Inquiry Methods and Fraud Reports |
Albrecht 10 |
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11 September |
Financial statement fraud – overview Internal class test |
Albrecht 11 |
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18 September |
Recess |
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25 September |
Recess |
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2 October |
Financial statement fraud - revenue and inventory related |
Albrecht 12 |
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9 October |
Financial statement fraud - liability, asset and inadequate disclosure |
Albrecht 13 |
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16 October |
Fraud Against Organisations Group Case Study due online |
Albrecht 14 |
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23 October |
Consumer Fraud and Fraud in E-Commerce Group Case Study Presentations |
Albrecht 15 & 17 |
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30 October |
Bankruptcy & Divorce |
Albrecht 16 |
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6 November |
Unit revision |
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13 - 24 November |
Final Examination period |
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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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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.
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
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 outcome
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
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 outcome
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
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 outcome
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- 1. Demonstrate an ability to respond to issues associated with an allegation of fraud. 2. Identify and analyse risk management weaknesses from a fraud perspective. 3. Appreciate the social / legal context of fraud. 4. Conduct preliminary examination of documents, assemble evidence and write reports. 5. Develop and implement an organisational policy to minimise fraud.