Study the skills and techniques needed to pursue a career detecting and preventing fraud.

If you are interested in joining the growing field of forensic accounting and fraud investigations, the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the professional skills and techniques to detect and prevent fraud in today's business world. Learn how to:

• investigate and analyze financial evidence
• apply computer techniques to investigations
• utilize the theories of ethics and criminology

Graduates may find employment in the public or private sector in a variety of areas including:

• fraud and economic loss quantification
• expert witness testimony
• criminal investigations
• cyber fraud

To qualify for this graduate certificate, you must complete the program within three years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy analyzing and reporting on a variety of financial information.
• Are interested in criminal accounting investigations and civil proceedings.
• Enjoy problem solving.
• Are organized in their work and pay attention to detail.
• Are able to apply knowledge gained to unique situations as each investigation is unique.

Careers

Employment opportunities may include such positions as forensic accounting/litigation consultant, tax auditor, gaming investigator, insurance investigator, internal investigator, fraud investigator, data analytics and internal auditor.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Analyze a variety of financial documents to identify information relevant to a forensic investigation.
2. Plan and conduct forensic accounting and auditing investigations that are consistent with current and accepted principles and practices of forensic investigation.
3. Develop an investigative methodology grounded in a conceptual framework and consistent with accepted forensic techniques.
4. Identify Canadian accounting (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and auditing standards (Generally Accepted Auditing Standards) when analyzing and interpreting financial statements.
5. Work in compliance with professional rules of conduct, ethical codes, industry standards and relevant legislation.
6. Situate work as a forensic investigator within the context of the Canadian civil and criminal justice systems.
7. Locate, assess, analyze, interpret and report data using computer applications.
8. Communicate financial reports and investigative findings clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing, adapting reports to a variety of audience needs and contexts.
9. Interact with individuals and groups to support client relationships and maintain effective working relationships.
10. Interview individuals and small groups to collect information relevant to a forensic investigation.
11. Evaluate the risk of criminal behaviour based on an interpretation of both psychosocial determinants for fraud, as well as trends in the industry.
12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AND FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS
Program Code 1801X07PAO

Applications to Grad Cert Part-time programs must be submitted via our online application form (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/part-time-application-form/).

Prior to starting your application, please ensure that you have consulted the program admission requirements and have all the supporting documentation in a digital format ready to be uploaded.

Applications submitted in a paper format or via email will not be accepted and incomplete applications will not be processed.

Applications will typically be processed within 2-3 weeks but can take longer during peak times and start of academic terms. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 4-6 weeks prior to start of term.

Program Resources

This program is also offered full-time online.

International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.

PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.