Students
ACCG8047 – Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting
2024 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Stefan Williams
Moderator
Jessica Zhang
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ACCG611 or ACCG6011 or (admission to MAdvProfAcc or MCyberSec or GradCertForAccg or GradDipForAccg or MForAccgFinCri)
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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 issues relevant to forensic accounting and the role played by the forensic accountant in the legal and business context. It covers various techniques of financial fraud prevention, investigation and detection. Students will develop an understanding of the motivations for, and symptoms of, financial fraud. Topics include processes of evidence collection and evaluation, legal report writing, interviewing witnesses, fraud prevention, and an introduction to financial and data analysis processes. By the conclusion of the unit students will have gained essential forensic accounting skills. |
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:
- ULO1: Explore the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
- ULO2: Appraise the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure and articulate the role of forensic accounting in the calculation of commercial and economic damages, and the compiling of business valuation reports.
- ULO3: Examine and investigate indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and techniques, and their application.
- ULO4: Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of an investigation in a legal context.
- ULO5: Review and evaluate the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Tests | 30% | No | Weeks 6 and 10 |
| Participation | 30% | No | Throughout the semester |
| Assignment | 40% | No | Week 12 |
Class Tests
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Weeks 6 and 10
Weighting: 30%
Class tests will be held during the session. The tests may include one, or a combination of, the following types of assessment: multiple-choice questions, true/false questions, short answer style questions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
- Appraise the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure and articulate the role of forensic accounting in the calculation of commercial and economic damages, and the compiling of business valuation reports.
Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Throughout the semester
Weighting: 30%
This assessment involves evidence of preparation for, participation in, and contribution to the class and may include presentations, questions or written exercises.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
- Appraise the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure and articulate the role of forensic accounting in the calculation of commercial and economic damages, and the compiling of business valuation reports.
- Examine and investigate indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and techniques, and their application.
- Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of an investigation in a legal context.
- Review and evaluate the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.
Assignment
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%
This assessment will require students to investigate and analyse an aspect of the unit and identify and communicate findings, exercise judgement and develop research capability. This is a group assignment and involves both a written submission not exceeding 2000 words and a group presentation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Examine and investigate indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and techniques, and their application.
- Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of an investigation in a legal context.
- Review and evaluate the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Please refer to the ACCG 8047 iLearn page for information.
Unit Schedule
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Topics |
Readings |
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Week 1 |
The field and practice of forensic accounting • Introduction • The legal, regulatory, professional environment, and ethics • Professional roles of fraud and forensic accounting professionals |
Rufus 1, 2
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Week 2 |
Fraud-related services • Types of fraud • Fraud detection, prevention, deterrence, investigation, remediation • Fraudulent financial reporting |
Rufus 6, 7 |
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Week 3 |
Fraud-related services • Misappropriation of assets |
Rufus 6, 7 |
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Week 4 |
Engagement management • Planning and managing an investigation • Case management and communication • Reporting and closure |
Crain 7 Rufus 3 |
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Week 5 |
Evidence collection • Types of evidence • Documents • Interviewing • Evidence management
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Rufus 4 |
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Week 6 |
Transforming Data into Evidence - Data Analysis • Financial transactions / Islamic finance • The role of data analysis • Data sources • Data analysis tools |
Rufus 8 |
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Week 7 |
Financial analysis • Context of financial reporting • Foundations of financial analysis • Methods of financial analysis |
Rufus 5 |
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Week 8 |
Transforming Data into Evidence - Data and Digital Analysis • Descriptive statistics • Methods for displaying data • Money laundering |
Rufus 8, 9 |
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Week 9 |
Evidence analysis • Corporate intelligence • Big data • Digital forensics for accountants |
Rufus 4, 5
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Week 10 |
Commercial and economic damages • Damages litigation • Damages calculation |
Rufus, 12
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Week 11 |
Business valuation • Valuation fundamentals • Financial analysis • Business valuation reports |
Rufus 11 |
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Week 12 |
Accountant as an expert witness • Legal frameworks • Litigation support from accountants • Forensic accountants and the court |
Rufus 10 |
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Week 13 |
Special topics: • Cyber crime • Crypto currencies
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Rufus 12 |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Unit information based on version 2024.02 of the Handbook