Students

ACCG847 – Forensic Accounting

2019 – S1 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor - Lecturer
Stefan Williams
Contact via ACCG847@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Vladimir Chugunov
vladimir.chugunov@mq.edu.au
Contact via ACCG847@mq.edu.au
Moderator
Michael Quilter
michael.quilter@mq.edu.au
4ER - 309
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ACCG611 or (admission to GradDipForAccg or MAdvProfAcc or MCyberSec)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
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 to provide 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:

  • Understand the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
  • Recognize the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure.
  • Identify and interpret indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and investigative techniques, and their application.
  • Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of the investigation in a legal context.
  • Evaluate and analyse the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.

General Assessment Information

Expected Workload - Activities   Hours
Seminars including preparation, and self-study 50
Assessment Task 1 (Participation)  20
Assessment Task 2 (Class Test 1)  20
 Assessment Task 3 (Group Assignment) 40
Assessment Task 4 (Class Test 2)  20
TOTAL 150

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participation 20% No Weekly
Class Test 1 20% No Week 6
Assignment 40% No Week 11
Class Test 2 20% No Week 13

Participation

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%

Class participation requires preparation, attendance and contribution. See Assessment Guide on iLearn for more information.

Other than where a relevant application pursuant to the Special Consideration policy is approved, if a student attends less than 50% of the allotted classes the total available mark for class participation will be reduced by 50%. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
  • Recognize the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure.
  • Identify and interpret indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and investigative techniques, and their application.
  • Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of the investigation in a legal context.
  • Evaluate and analyse the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.

Class Test 1

Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%

The test will be administered in your seminar class in Week 6 of Session. 

No extensions will be granted. This penalty does not apply for cases in which a Special Consideration application is made and approved.

See Assessment Guide on iLearn for more information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
  • Recognize the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure.
  • Identify and interpret indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and investigative techniques, and their application.
  • Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of the investigation in a legal context.
  • Evaluate and analyse the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.

Assignment

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 40%

The Assignment is to submitted in Week 11.

This will be a group assignment and students are required to analyse the relevant issues arising and show evidence of research. It must be submitted via iLearn/Turnitin no later than 6 pm on Monday 20/5/2019. A hard-copy of the assignment must also be submitted to your lecturer (handed-in) in class in Week 11. 

No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 48 hours after the submission deadline.  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 a Special Consideration application is made and approved.

See Assessment Guide on iLearn for more information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
  • Recognize the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure.
  • Identify and interpret indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and investigative techniques, and their application.
  • Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of the investigation in a legal context.
  • Evaluate and analyse the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.

Class Test 2

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%

The test will be administered in your seminar class in Week 13 of Session. 

No extensions will be granted. This penalty does not apply for cases in which a Special Consideration application is made and approved.

See Assessment Guide on iLearn for more information.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
  • Recognize the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure.
  • Identify and interpret indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and investigative techniques, and their application.
  • Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of the investigation in a legal context.
  • Evaluate and analyse the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.

Delivery and Resources

Required Text:

Prescribed Textbook: 

Rufus R J, Miller L S, and Hahn W - Forensic Accounting - Global Edition, 2015, Pearson. [referred to as 'Rufus' herein]
Unit Web Page: Course content is available in the learning management system (iLearn). The web page for this unit is at http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/index.htm
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.
Delivery Format and Other Details: Students are required to attend one 3 hours face-to-face seminar per week. The timetable for classes is on the University website at http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
Recommended Readings:

Recommended Reference Books: 

Albrecht, W., Albrecht, C., Zimbelman, M. 2016. Fraud Examination. 5th edition.

Crain, M., Hopwood, W., Pacini, C., Young G. 2015. Essentials of forensic accounting. Wiley [referred to as 'Crain' herein]

Crumbley, D., LaGraize, W., Peters, C. 2016. Case Studies in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Auditing (2nd Edition), Wolters Kluwer. 

Hoffman, R., Finney, W., Cox, P., Cooper, K. 2013. The Accountant as an Expert Witness: A Basic Guide to Forensic Accounting, 2nd edition, CCH Australia

Hopwood, W., Leiner, J., Young, G. 2012. Forensic accounting and fraud examination. 2nd edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin

Nelson, B., Phillips, A., Steuart, C. 2015. Guide to Computer Forensics and Investigations. 5th edition, Cengage Learning

Pedneault, S., Rudewicz, F. Silverstone H. and Sheetz M. 2012. Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation by Non-Experts, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons

Journals:

Forensic Accounting Review

Journal of Forensic Accounting

Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting

Fraud Magazine

Additional Resources: 

www.acfe.com

There will be supplemental readings and materials available on the unit iLearn.  
   

Unit Schedule

 

Topics

Readings

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

 

Week 2

Fraud-related services

• Types of fraud

• Fraud detection, prevention, deterrence, investigation, remediation

• Fraudulent financial reporting

Rufus 6, 7
Week 3

Fraud-related services

• Misappropriation of assets

 Rufus 6, 7
Week 4

Engagement management

• Planning and managing an investigation

• Case management and communication

• Reporting and closure

Crain 7

Rufus 3

Week 5

Evidence collection

• Types of evidence

• Background research

• Computer forensics

• Documents

• Interviewing

• Surveillance

• Evidence management

 

Rufus 4

Week 6

Transforming Data into Evidence - Data Analysis

• The role of data analysis

• Data sources

• Data analysis tools

Rufus 8
Week 7

Financial analysis

• Context of financial reporting

• Foundations of financial analysis

• Methods of financial analysis

 Rufus 5

Week 8

Transforming Data into Evidence - Data and Digital Analysis

• Descriptive statistics

• Methods for displaying data

• Data mining

 Rufus 8, 9

Week 9

Evidence analysis

• Financial analysis

• Data and Digital forensic analysis

• Analytics for forensic accountants

• Forensic accounting in action

Rufus 4, 5

Crain 11

Week 10

Commercial and economic damages

• Damages litigation

• Damages calculation

 

 

 

Week 11

Business valuation

• Valuation fundamentals

• Financial analysis

• Business valuation reports

Rufus 11

Week 12

Accountant as an expert witness 

• Legal frameworks

• Litigation support from accountants

• Working with attorneys

• Forensic accountant and the court

Rufus 10
Week 13

Special topics:

• Introduction to cybercrime issues

• Matrimonial forensics

• Bankruptcy

• Specialized areas (tax fraud, identity theft, anti-money laundering)

• Insurance claims

 

 Rufus 12

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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 ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 - 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

  • Understand the role and character of forensic accounting and its relationship to the legal system including the legal, ethical and professional obligations of forensic accountants.
  • Recognize the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure.
  • Identify and interpret indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and investigative techniques, and their application.
  • Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of the investigation in a legal context.
  • Evaluate and analyse the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Class Test 1
  • Assignment
  • Class Test 2

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 outcomes

  • Recognize the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure.
  • Identify and interpret indicators of fraudulent activity and demonstrate knowledge of investigative processes and investigative techniques, and their application.
  • Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of the investigation in a legal context.
  • Evaluate and analyse the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Class Test 1
  • Assignment
  • 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

  • Recognize the nature of, and concepts relevant to, civil, criminal and administrative procedure.
  • Analyse techniques in evidence collection and evaluation and develop the ability to present the results of the investigation in a legal context.
  • Evaluate and analyse the role of governance structures, internal controls and compliance policies for the prevention of financial fraud.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Class Test 1
  • Assignment
  • Class Test 2

Changes from Previous Offering

Assessment tasks have changed from last session. There is no final examination in session 1 2019.