Bonita Kramer, Michael Seda and Georgiy Bobashev
This paper aims to determine current views of educators and practitioners regarding forensic accounting education, given the recent dramatic growth in the number of colleges and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to determine current views of educators and practitioners regarding forensic accounting education, given the recent dramatic growth in the number of colleges and universities offering such education.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey, with statistical analysis of responses.
Findings
Results find that while both groups agree the demand for forensic accounting services will increase in the near future and that they prefer a separate course or degree be offered at the graduate and undergraduate levels, there are several significant differences between the educators’ and practitioners’ opinions on forensic accounting content and preferred teaching techniques. Practitioners consider topics outside traditional accounting as more important to include in forensic accounting education, and more highly value teaching techniques that add an experiential learning component.
Practical implications
Results can be useful to educators who have not considered offering forensic accounting courses or who wish to refine or update their existing forensic accounting education. Students seeking a career in forensic accounting can also use these results to facilitate their course choices to develop skills that employers value.
Social implications
These results find that practitioners value some nontraditional accounting skills, such as in forensic technology and interviewing, more highly than academics, which suggests accounting educators may need to develop interdisciplinary approaches to forensic accounting education.
Originality/value
As the number of institutions offering forensic accounting education has dramatically increased, current views of forensic accounting educators and practitioners are needed.
Details
Keywords
Together with the globalization, the markets throughout the world entered into an intense competition and it led the companies in capital markets into a panic. During the…
Abstract
Together with the globalization, the markets throughout the world entered into an intense competition and it led the companies in capital markets into a panic. During the competition for being at the top, the companies may sometimes have recourse to various frauds, corruption, or manipulations. The advancing technology is the most useful instrument of companies for this purpose. Countering these frauds and corruptions, which are gradually becoming more complex, is the profession of “auditing” which entered into an institutionalization and professionalization process. One of the most important milestones in this process is the emergence of the forensic accounting profession. The forensic accounting services, especially in the USA and Canada, provide courts and lawyers with support by making use of accounting, auditing, and analytical investigations on legal issues involving financial disputes. The forensic accountants offer service to relevant persons and institutions in order to determine the frauds made by the companies and support the lawsuits.
The objective of the present study is to provide information about the forensic accounting profession and its development in the world, as well as contributing to the development and recognition of forensic accounting practices.
Details
Keywords
– The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about internal fraud in small businesses among small business owners, managers, and consultants.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about internal fraud in small businesses among small business owners, managers, and consultants.
Design/methodology/approach
Recent statistics from international fraud surveys are presented, and the theory of why people commit fraud is described. The most common internal fraud schemes as identified in the international fraud surveys are explained, as well as some of the related red flags and preventative measures. Examples of actual internal frauds perpetrated in small businesses are discussed.
Findings
This paper summarizes pertinent facts that repeatedly show small businesses are most vulnerable to fraud and suffer a disproportionate median loss when compared to larger businesses. External audits by Certified Public Accountants cannot be relied upon to detect fraud. Owners, managers, and advisors are strongly encouraged to have knowledge of how fraud can affect their organizations in order to prevent or detect fraud and avoid the devastating effect it can have on the small business’s viability.
Practical implications
Fraud knowledge can help owners, managers, and advisors prevent small businesses from falling victim to fraud.
Originality/value
This paper addresses a critical issue to small businesses, but has so far been largely neglected in the literature. While large financial statement frauds receive widespread publicity, they are relatively uncommon compared to asset misappropriation fraud schemes suffered by small businesses.