CQUniversity Unit Profile
ACCT20079 Forensic Accounting
Forensic Accounting
All details in this unit profile for ACCT20079 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Fraud is a major problem, estimated to cost Australia over $3 billion each year. The incidence of fraud and corporate failure is increasing along with its cost. This unit is designed to provide you with an understanding of the risks of fraud or corporate failure occurring and an appreciation for the subsequent forensic review and processes. You will learn appropriate preventive and detective methods, examine the wide range of fraud threats to individuals and organisations, and appreciate the relevant legal resolution processes.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisiteACCT20075 Auditing and EthicsLAWS20058 Australian Commercial Law

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 3 - 2019

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 10%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Examination
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit evaluations

Feedback

The unit should expose students to the latest technology used to detect fraud.

Recommendation

The unit will incorporate some exposure to students of technology used in fraud detection.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Distinguish the source of potential fraud threats to organisations
  2. Apply Fraud Triangle Theory to identify potential fraudsters
  3. Distinguish known fraud methods and identify internal controls that reduce opportunities for fraud
  4. Recognise and understand accounting symptoms of fraud, and follow investigation processes
  5. Detect symptoms of financial statement fraud
  6. Distinguish the criminal and civil legal processes for resolving alleged fraud.


Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
2 - Practical Assessment - 30%
3 - Examination - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
2 - Practical Assessment - 30%
3 - Examination - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Fraud Examination

Edition: 6 (2018)
Authors: Albrecht et al.
Cengage
Boston Boston , MA , United States
ISBN: 9781337619677
Binding: eBook

Additional Textbook Information

The eBook is available at the Cengage website here: https://www.cengagebrain.com.au/shop/isbn/9781337619677?cid=ausprodpage


However, paper copies can still be purchased from the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Peter Best Unit Coordinator
p.best@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Fraud – Nature, Perpetrators &
Motivation
Fraud in Australia

Chapter

ALB ch 1-2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Fraud Methods – Manual and IT
Environments

Chapter

ALB ch 14, 17

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 1 Open 22 November 9:00 AEST

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Fraud Prevention

Chapter

ALB ch 3-4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 1 Close 29 November 9:00 AEST

Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Fraud Detection
Data Driven Detection

Chapter

ALB ch 5-6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 2 Open 6 December 9:00 AEST

Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Self-Study

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 16 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Fraud Investigation
Inquiry Methods

Chapter

ALB ch 7-10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 2 Close 20 December 9:00 AEST

Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Management Fraud
Detection methods, including ratio
analysis

Chapter

ALB ch 11-13

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 3 Open 3 January 9:00 AEST


Week 7 Begin Date: 06 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Identity Fraud

Chapter

ALB ch 15

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 3 Close 10 January 9:00 AEST

Week 8 Begin Date: 13 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Other Types of Fraud e.g. Taxation,
Elderly, Insurance

Chapter

ALB ch 16

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 4 Open 17 January 9:00 AEST

Week 9 Begin Date: 20 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Not-for-Profit Sector
Take-home test (20%)

Chapter

Readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 4 Close 24 January 9:00 AEST.
Practical Assessment Part B: Take-Home Test of 1 hour will be held in Week 9, worth 20% of marks for the unit. The test will be posted for download on Moodle at a scheduled date/time, to be completed and submitted.

Week 10 Begin Date: 27 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Medicare Fraud
Corporate Failure

Chapter

Readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 5 Open 31 January 9:00 AEST

Week 11 Begin Date: 03 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Fraud Resolution
Expert Witness

Chapter

ALB ch 18

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 5 Close 7 February 9:00 AEST

Practical Assessment Part A: Report is due Friday 7 February 17:00 AEST

Week 12 Begin Date: 10 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Unit Review

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Fortnightly Online Quiz

Task Description

Five (5) fortnightly online quizzes are required to be completed. Each quiz is to be completed individually, is open for approximately 7 days, and covers the preceding 2 weeks of classes. Each quiz consists of a set of multiple-choice questions and is marked out of 15. The weighting for quiz results is 10% of the total marks.


Number of Quizzes

5


Frequency of Quizzes

Fortnightly


Assessment Due Date

Fortnightly quizzes will open on Friday at 9:00 AEST and will close on the following Friday at 9:00 AEST. Quiz 1 opens on Friday in Week 2 and closes on Friday in Week 3. Quiz 2 opens on Friday in Week 4 and closes on Friday in Week 5. And, so on.


Return Date to Students

Your results of the quiz will be automatically generated and will be displayed upon completion of the quiz. You can access your results again on the unit website via the Gradebook. You willl be able to check your quiz for incorrect answers after the quiz has closed.


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

This assessment item will assess your problem-solving skills in relation to the forensic accounting concepts covered in the prior 2 weeks


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Each quiz is to be completed online within Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Distinguish the source of potential fraud threats to organisations
  • Apply Fraud Triangle Theory to identify potential fraudsters
  • Distinguish known fraud methods and identify internal controls that reduce opportunities for fraud


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical Assessment

Task Description

This assessment has 2 parts - Part A Report (10%) and Part B Take-Home Test (20%).


Part A Report (10%)
Students submit a written report on a chosen presentation topic. Word length for the report – 1500 words. You should refer to at least 5 sources in preparing your report using APA referencing. Presentation topics and rubric will be available on Moodle. Submit your report online through Moodle.  


Part B Take-Home Test (20%)
This is a 1-hour in-class test to be held in Week 9. Short-answer questions will be based on material covered in Weeks 1-5. Students may refer to lecture notes and the eBook, but not other Internet resources. The test will be posted on Moodle at a scheduled date/time. The test will be completed and submitted through Moodle given 1 hour of working. 


Assessment Due Date

The take-home test will be scheduled during Week 9. The report is due at the end of Week 11 - Friday 7 February 17:00 AEST.


Return Date to Students

Students can access their marks and feedback through Moodle.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Part A: Report

The marking rubric for the report will be available on Moodle and will consider: Use of sources, correct referencing, structure of report, synthesis and conclusions, quality of writing, grammar, syntax and spelling.


Part B: Take-Home Test

The test will examine students' ability in identifying relevant theory and demonstrating knowledge, applying relevant theory and knowledge to solve problems, and quality of writing, grammar, syntax and spelling.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The report and take-home test are to be submitted through Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply Fraud Triangle Theory to identify potential fraudsters
  • Distinguish known fraud methods and identify internal controls that reduce opportunities for fraud
  • Recognise and understand accounting symptoms of fraud, and follow investigation processes
  • Detect symptoms of financial statement fraud
  • Distinguish the criminal and civil legal processes for resolving alleged fraud.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
60%

Length
180 minutes

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
Calculator - non-programmable, no text retrieval, silent only
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?