Email: info@cfpinstitute.org

Certified Forensic & Audit Analyst

Forensic & Audit Analyst combine their accounting knowledge with investigative skills, using this unique combination in litigation support and investigative accounting settings. Forensic & Audit Analyst may be employed by public accounting firms' forensic accounting divisions, by firms specializing in risk consulting and forensic accounting services, or by lawyers, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, government organizations, or financial institutions. Due to society's heightened awareness and growing intolerance of fraudulent activity, demand for forensic accountants is rapidly increasing.

Forensic accountants may be involved in both litigation support (providing assistance on a given case, primarily related to the calculation or estimation of economic damages and related issues) and investigative accounting (looking into illegal activities).

Benefits of becoming a Certified Forensic & Audit Analyst, CFrA:

  • Grants recognition of knowledge and skills by a third party
  • Grants recognition of knowledge and skills by a third party
  • Enhances professional reputation and provides personal accomplishment
  • Supports continued professional development
  • Demonstrates a high level of commitment to the field

Application form

 Membership Application


Common Body of Knowledge & Skill:

The credential goes beyond the traditional training a CPA or Chartered Accountants receives. The materials include:

PART 1: FORENSIC AUDIT
  • History of forensic accounting
  • Fraud auditing
  • Asset misappropriation scams
  • Alternate dispute resolution
  • Preparation and Courtroom tips
  • Document retrieval and analysis
  • Rules of evidence
  • Government auditing techniques
  • Reporting Standards
  • Document retrieval and analysis
  • Cyber Forensics
  • Computer & technology based Crimes

 

PART 2: INTERNAL AUDITING
  • Foundation of Internal Auditing
  • Importance of Internal Controls
  • Internal Audit & Corporate Governance
  • Administering Internal  Auditing Activities
  • Impact of Information Systems on Internal Audit
  • Internal Auditor Tools & Trends

PART 3: INTERNAL CONTROL STRATEGIES

  • Understand the SEC's Guidance for management
  • The PCAOB's Auditing Standard No 5
  • SEC's Guidance on a Risk Based Approach
  • Starting at the Top: Entity Level Controls
  • Streamlining Documentation
  • Economical Testing Technique

PART 4: INFORMATION SECURITY

  • System & Network Security
  • Managing Information Security
  • Encryption Technology
  • Privacy & Access Management
  • Storage Security
  • Physical Security
  • Advance Security

Types of services performed

  • Financial data analysis
  • Evidence integrity analysis
  • Computer application design
  • Writing reports
  • Compiling information
  • Testifying as an expert witness
  • Eliciting other experts' assistance
  • Maintaining documentation
  • Damage assessment
  • Tracing illicit funds
  • Locating hidden assets
  • Due diligence reviews
  • Forensic intelligence gathering
  • Business valuation

Recommended Books for Study

  • Fraud Auditing & Forensic Accounting,
    By Tommie W. Singleton and Aaron J. Singleton
  • Brink's Modern Internal Auditing
    By Robert R. Moeller
  • Corporate Fraud Handbook,
    By Dr. Joseph T. Well, CFE, CPA
  • Internal Control Strategies: A Mid to Small Business Guide
    By     Julie Harrer
  • Forensic Investigative Accounting,
    By Dr. Larry Crumbley, PhD, CPA, Cr.FA
  • Computer and Information Security Handbook
    By Morgan Kaufman
  • Selected portions of ACFE Fraud Examiner Manuals