Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations
Study the skills and techniques needed to pursue a career detecting and preventing fraud.
- Designed for people with previous education in financial roles looking to expand into fraud detection
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Spring 2025
No
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Other Delivery Options
If you are interested in joining the growing field of forensic accounting and fraud investigations, the one-year 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:...(read more)
Overview
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 one-year 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
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.
Courses
Registration Note:
Applications for this full-time program must be submitted on Ontario Colleges. If you are interested in the part-time delivery of the program, please refer to the part-time program page for course by course registration. The courses take place entirely online and do not require you to come to campus. Without a set class time you can complete your assignments when it’s most convenient for you while following the course deadlines.
Online  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Winter | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level: 01 | ||||||
| ACC5030 | 50.0 | Detection and Prevention of FraudACC5030 Detection and Prevention of FraudDetecting fraud, even for a seasoned professional, is not always easy, and preventing it can be twice as challenging. Students learn how to use analysis tools (Fraud Triangle) to detect fraud and prevent fraud from occurring. Students also explore the aspects of internal control and the theories available to assist in fraud detection and prevention. They examine how various techniques such as an ethic hotline and a Fraud risk assessment within a company can assist the organization in detecting and preventing fraud. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| BUS5008 | 50.0 | Introduction to Forensic Accounting and Fraud InvestigationsBUS5008 Introduction to Forensic Accounting and Fraud InvestigationsFinancial crime is prevalent in today's society and a challenge for accountants, auditors and other professionals to detect and prevent. Students gain a basic introduction to fraud in North America. They are introduced to a variety of fraud theories and fraud schemes, such as identity theft, money laundering, financial statement fraud, healthcare fraud, insurance fraud, skimming and larceny schemes, cheque and credit card fraud, billing schemes, payroll schemes, bribery and Internet fraud. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| DAT0108 | 50.0 | Computer Forensics and Data MiningDAT0108 Computer Forensics and Data MiningCorporations today store vast amounts of financial information in large, complex financial systems commonly referred to as Big Data. As a result, fraud professionals need to utilize tools and techniques that scan across vast amounts of data to potentially identify frauds or weaknesses in financial systems. Students learn different computer-based tools and data-mining techniques available to save time and assist them in their investigation, to identify anomalies in large data sets. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| DAT0109 | 50.0 | Cyber Crime InvestigationsDAT0109 Cyber Crime InvestigationsThe world of fraudulent Cybercrimes (or Cyber-fraud), and how they affect our everyday lives is explored. Students learn about the methods, processes, special procedures and security advances in technologies to solve these crimes. They are introduced to the forensic tools and techniques available to improve their investigation skills. Students learn about the available software to assist them in their investigations. Through case studies, discussions, and research. Students learn the process of searching, gathering, and presenting information on cybercrime investigations. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| PSY0016 | 50.0 | Criminology and EthicsPSY0016 Criminology and EthicsStudents examine a variety of criminal theories and attempt to explain why people commit crimes. Psychological and behavioural theories and how they relate to individual or corporate motives to commit fraud are reviewed. Ethical decisions that are made daily in the workplace and how these choices affect corporate integrity and corporate governance are also explored. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| Level: 02 | ||||||
| ACC5031 | 50.0 | Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations - AdvancedACC5031 Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations - AdvancedStudents gain a deeper understanding of fraud in North America and the rest of the world. Specifically, they explore fraud theories and schemes, legal elements and investigation planning. Applying methodologies to case studies, students analyze standard practices, financial statement fraud and misstatement, and the investigator's roles and responsibilities when conducting a fraud investigation. Pre-requisites: BUS5008 This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| ACC5032 | 50.0 | Money Laundering and Asset TracingACC5032 Money Laundering and Asset TracingMoney laundering is a common economic crime. Students learn how criminals conceal their illegally obtained gains and convert them into untraceable assets. International controls and regulations to prevent and detect potential sources of money laundering are introduced. Various methods and techniques of tracing assets are examined. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| ACC5033 | 50.0 | Governmental, Small Medium Enterprise (Sme) and Not-For-Profit FraudsACC5033 Governmental, Small Medium Enterprise (Sme) and Not-For-Profit FraudsStudents learn about government, small medium enterprise (SME) and not-for-profit (NFP) frauds including contract rigging, funding entitlement programs, fictitious or double billing schemes, kickbacks, cash larceny and skimming schemes. Students are exposed to how internal controls and the various stakeholders play an integral role in the prevention of frauds in each of these organizations. Students review recent government frauds and attempt to determine the cause and how they could be prevented in the future. They also learn the characteristics and types of SME frauds and how they differ from frauds against large government, private organizations, and not-for-profits. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| LAW5049 | 50.0 | Legal Components in a Forensic InvestigationLAW5049 Legal Components in a Forensic InvestigationFraud investigators engage in just about any type of investigation, including criminal or civil, and must always work within the limits of the law. Students are introduced to the rules of statutory, civil and criminal laws relevant to the conduct of forensic investigations. They gain an understanding of the Canadian legal system and familiarize themselves with the rules of evidence; federal and provincial statutory, civil and common law systems; the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the court systems in Canada; and the Canadian Criminal Code and the Criminal Justice System. Differences between direct and circumstantial evidence are also explored. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| Level: 03 | ||||||
| ACC5034 | 50.0 | Analysis and Critique of Current Fraud CasesACC5034 Analysis and Critique of Current Fraud CasesEvery forensic accounting and fraud professional learns from their current and past fraud investigations and those conducted by their peers. Students analyze and discuss past fraud cases to gain knowledge of case pitfalls and benchmarks that led to the successful investigation. They analyze previous fraud cases and prepare written reports in the form of a professional presentation. The reports are based on a mock trial of a court case featuring the application of interviewing techniques. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| ENL5035 | 50.0 | Interviewing and Presentation of EvidenceENL5035 Interviewing and Presentation of EvidenceCommunication skills during an investigation are critical in achieving good results in an evidence presentation. In any investigation, the gathering and presentation of effective evidence leads to building a strong case. The possession of effective interviewing skills underscores the quality of the evidence gathering process. Utilizing effective interviewing techniques, students identify information on key issues of a case and practise interviewing alleged suspects and potential witnesses. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
| ENL5036 | 50.0 | Communication - Report Writing and Witness TestimonyENL5036 Communication - Report Writing and Witness TestimonyReports and other types of communications play an integral part in the process of forensic investigations. Students learn to communicate to their intended audience and apply useful techniques to assist in the investigation process. They also examine how to interact with individuals and groups to achieve efficiency in the collection of relevant information. Students are required to write a report and present their findings in a mock trial situation, as well as apply various interviewing techniques in mock trial cases. This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available. | | |||
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ACC5030 Detection and Prevention of Fraud
Detecting fraud, even for a seasoned professional, is not always easy, and preventing it can be twice as challenging. Students learn how to use analysis tools (Fraud Triangle) to detect fraud and prevent fraud from occurring. Students also explore the aspects of internal control and the theories available to assist in fraud detection and prevention. They examine how various techniques such as an ethic hotline and a Fraud risk assessment within a company can assist the organization in detecting and preventing fraud.
BUS5008 Introduction to Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations
Financial crime is prevalent in today's society and a challenge for accountants, auditors and other professionals to detect and prevent. Students gain a basic introduction to fraud in North America. They are introduced to a variety of fraud theories and fraud schemes, such as identity theft, money laundering, financial statement fraud, healthcare fraud, insurance fraud, skimming and larceny schemes, cheque and credit card fraud, billing schemes, payroll schemes, bribery and Internet fraud.
DAT0108 Computer Forensics and Data Mining
Corporations today store vast amounts of financial information in large, complex financial systems commonly referred to as Big Data. As a result, fraud professionals need to utilize tools and techniques that scan across vast amounts of data to potentially identify frauds or weaknesses in financial systems. Students learn different computer-based tools and data-mining techniques available to save time and assist them in their investigation, to identify anomalies in large data sets.
DAT0109 Cyber Crime Investigations
The world of fraudulent Cybercrimes (or Cyber-fraud), and how they affect our everyday lives is explored. Students learn about the methods, processes, special procedures and security advances in technologies to solve these crimes. They are introduced to the forensic tools and techniques available to improve their investigation skills. Students learn about the available software to assist them in their investigations. Through case studies, discussions, and research. Students learn the process of searching, gathering, and presenting information on cybercrime investigations.
PSY0016 Criminology and Ethics
Students examine a variety of criminal theories and attempt to explain why people commit crimes. Psychological and behavioural theories and how they relate to individual or corporate motives to commit fraud are reviewed. Ethical decisions that are made daily in the workplace and how these choices affect corporate integrity and corporate governance are also explored.
ACC5031 Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations - Advanced
Students gain a deeper understanding of fraud in North America and the rest of the world. Specifically, they explore fraud theories and schemes, legal elements and investigation planning. Applying methodologies to case studies, students analyze standard practices, financial statement fraud and misstatement, and the investigator's roles and responsibilities when conducting a fraud investigation.
Pre-requisites: BUS5008
ACC5032 Money Laundering and Asset Tracing
Money laundering is a common economic crime. Students learn how criminals conceal their illegally obtained gains and convert them into untraceable assets. International controls and regulations to prevent and detect potential sources of money laundering are introduced. Various methods and techniques of tracing assets are examined.
ACC5033 Governmental, Small Medium Enterprise (Sme) and Not-For-Profit Frauds
Students learn about government, small medium enterprise (SME) and not-for-profit (NFP) frauds including contract rigging, funding entitlement programs, fictitious or double billing schemes, kickbacks, cash larceny and skimming schemes. Students are exposed to how internal controls and the various stakeholders play an integral role in the prevention of frauds in each of these organizations. Students review recent government frauds and attempt to determine the cause and how they could be prevented in the future. They also learn the characteristics and types of SME frauds and how they differ from frauds against large government, private organizations, and not-for-profits.
LAW5049 Legal Components in a Forensic Investigation
Fraud investigators engage in just about any type of investigation, including criminal or civil, and must always work within the limits of the law. Students are introduced to the rules of statutory, civil and criminal laws relevant to the conduct of forensic investigations. They gain an understanding of the Canadian legal system and familiarize themselves with the rules of evidence; federal and provincial statutory, civil and common law systems; the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the court systems in Canada; and the Canadian Criminal Code and the Criminal Justice System. Differences between direct and circumstantial evidence are also explored.
ACC5034 Analysis and Critique of Current Fraud Cases
Every forensic accounting and fraud professional learns from their current and past fraud investigations and those conducted by their peers. Students analyze and discuss past fraud cases to gain knowledge of case pitfalls and benchmarks that led to the successful investigation. They analyze previous fraud cases and prepare written reports in the form of a professional presentation. The reports are based on a mock trial of a court case featuring the application of interviewing techniques.
ENL5035 Interviewing and Presentation of Evidence
Communication skills during an investigation are critical in achieving good results in an evidence presentation. In any investigation, the gathering and presentation of effective evidence leads to building a strong case. The possession of effective interviewing skills underscores the quality of the evidence gathering process. Utilizing effective interviewing techniques, students identify information on key issues of a case and practise interviewing alleged suspects and potential witnesses.
ENL5036 Communication - Report Writing and Witness Testimony
Reports and other types of communications play an integral part in the process of forensic investigations. Students learn to communicate to their intended audience and apply useful techniques to assist in the investigation process. They also examine how to interact with individuals and groups to achieve efficiency in the collection of relevant information. Students are required to write a report and present their findings in a mock trial situation, as well as apply various interviewing techniques in mock trial cases.
Careers & Pathways
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.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze a variety of financial documents to identify information relevant to a forensic investigation.
- Plan and conduct forensic accounting and auditing investigations that are consistent with current and accepted principles and practices of forensic investigation.
- Develop an investigative methodology grounded in a conceptual framework and consistent with accepted forensic techniques.
- Identify Canadian accounting (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and auditing standards (Generally Accepted Auditing Standards) when analyzing and interpreting financial statements.
- Work in compliance with professional rules of conduct, ethical codes, industry standards and relevant legislation.
- Situate work as a forensic investigator within the context of the Canadian civil and criminal justice systems.
- Locate, assess, analyze, interpret and report data using computer applications.
- Communicate financial reports and investigative findings clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing, adapting reports to a variety of audience needs and contexts.
- Interact with individuals and groups to support client relationships and maintain effective working relationships.
- Interview individuals and small groups to collect information relevant to a forensic investigation.
- Evaluate the risk of criminal behaviour based on an interpretation of both psychosocial determinants for fraud, as well as trends in the industry.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
The approximate cost of books and supplies is $1,400 over the program duration. For more information visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials/students.
Admissions Requirements
Program Eligibility
- Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma or Degree in a related business/fraud investigations area (e.g. accounting, financial auditing, law/police enforcement, investigations and security) or equivalent.
- Applicants are to provide documentation that includes current resume/cv and a letter from an employer attesting to all relevant work experience (paid work only) in a related business/fraud investigations area (e.g. accounting, financial auditing, law/police enforcement, investigations and security). Eligibility Package submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: https://www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL- Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Application Information
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AND FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS
Program Code 1801X09FAO
Applications to full-time programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
This program is also offered part-time online.
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.
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).
Contact
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.