Introduction to Forensic Accounting

Author: Lynn Fountain

This course provides a high-level overview of forensic accounting, offering learners insight into a specialized area of the accounting profession. While most accountants understand the concept of fraud and its impact on businesses, many may not fully grasp the differences between the work of a forensic accountant and that of a typical management accountant.

Understanding Forensic Accounting

• Forensic accountants and auditors take a unique investigative approach to financial records.
• They are typically called in when there is suspicion of fraud, asset evaluation, or identification of accounting errors, whether intentional or not.
• Their work goes beyond standard accounting practices, requiring specialized methods to detect, examine, and document irregularities.

Why Forensic Accounting Matters

• Fraud continues to be a significant concern in business operations.
• Forensic accountants are discovering innovative techniques to identify, investigate, and substantiate potentially fraudulent activity.
• The field demands precision: failing to follow proper protocols and standards can compromise investigations and evidence.

Course Focus

Participants will explore:

• The various processes and roles of a forensic accountant.
• Rules of evidence and the importance of proper documentation.
• The potential need to testify in court and communicate findings effectively.
• How forensic accounting differs from typical accounting roles in focus, methodology, and objectives.

Publication Date: February 2026

Designed For
Accountants and Finance professionals, Auditors, Executive management/Board members and Audit Committee members, and Legal and Compliance professionals.

Topics Covered

• Many processes and roles of the forensic accountant
• Rules of evidence
• Accountant's potential need to testify in a court of law
• Concepts in forensic accounting
• The role of forensic accountants
• Differences between litigation and investigative support
• Types of engagements completed by forensic accountants
• Process utilized by forensic accountants
• Specific skill areas that are utilized by forensic accountants

Learning Objectives

• Describe the world of forensic accounting
• Identify distinguishing concepts in forensic accounting
• Explain the role of forensic accountants
• Recognize the differences between litigation and investigative support
• Identify the types of engagements completed by forensic accountants
• Explain the process utilized by forensic accountants

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Accounting (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None