The Specialized Forensic Accounting Certificate program (43.0 CPE Credits) covers unique areas including bankruptcy, property damages, family law and more. Leverage this program to acquire new skills, begin the CFF Credential pathway or earn CPE credits.
Because each forensic accounting engagement is unique with its facts and objectives, the forensic accountant needs to use appropriate specialized forensic knowledge, tools and procedures during the engagement. A basic knowledge of each area is helpful. However, no one practitioner would be expected to know them all, but rather would seek expert assistance where necessary. Through narration by industry subject matter experts and application exercises, this certificate program covers unique areas of a forensic engagement including bankruptcy, business/individual/intellectual property damages, mergers and acquisitions, family law, divorce and more.
Composed of required education and the respective Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential's Specialized Forensics Knowledge exam, this certificate program was developed to assist you in customizing your professional development goals in one of the following ways:
Acquiring new skills and earning a certificate in a growing practice area
Learn new skills, enhance your existing competency or take a deep dive into this growing practice area. You'll gain new comprehension that will allow you to demonstrate your proficiency and stand out among your peers. Earn the certificate by completing the required learning and passing the Specialized Forensics Knowledge exam. Once you complete the Specialized Forensic Accounting Certificate, if you haven't already done so, consider earning the Core Forensic Accounting Certificate.
Beginning the pathway to completing the CFF Credential
Use the certificate program as a more flexible way to earn your CFF Credential. The Specialized Forensic Accounting Certificate program covers topics found in the Content Specification Outline (CSO) for the Specialized Forensic Knowledge exam section of the CFF Credential exam. Completion of the education and passing the exam as well as completing the Core Forensic Accounting Certificate program will fulfill the education and exam requirements needed to earn the CFF credential*. The flexibility in earning both of these certificates saves you approximately 20 CPE hours versus having to earn 75 CPE credits if you opt to not utilize these programs.
*Earning both the Core & Specialized Forensic Accounting Certificates does not indicate you are certified in financial forensics. You must still meet the 1,000-hour experience and other credential requirements to earn your CFF credential.
Earning CPE credits to maintain your existing CFF Credential
Existing CFF Credential holders can use the education to earn CPE credits needed to maintain the credential. You can customize your learning experience by either purchasing the education only bundle or any of the individual course modules listed below.
The online education will be available in your account for one year from the date you purchase it. The Specialized Forensic Knowledge exam is online and proctored remotely via webcam and audio (either laptop or USB external) anytime 7 days a week throughout the year. Within 10 business days from the purchase date, you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) and have the flexibility to schedule the exam at your convenience. Your NTS will be valid for one year from the date you receive it.
Courses included:
- Bankruptcy - Part 1 and Part 2
- Electronic Data Analysis
- Business Damages Concepts and Calculations
- Individual Damages Concepts and Calculations - Part 1 and Part 2
- Intellectual Property Damages Concepts and Calculations - Part 1 and Part 2
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Family Law and Divorce Engagements - Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3
- Financial Statement Fraud, Corruption, and Asset Misappropriation - Part 1 and Part 2
- Fraud Provisions and Engagements - Part 1 and Part 2
- Valuation Practices in Forensic Engagements - Part 1 and Part 2
KEY TOPICS
- Bankruptcy
- Role of technology in forensic accounting engagements
- Gathering evidence and data recovery
- Measuring and calculating business damages
- Lost earnings and fringe benefits
- Patents, copyrights, and trademarks
- Forensic accountants' roles in mergers and acquisitions
- Consideration of fraud at the entity level
- Detecting and investigating fraud
- Role of Forensic Accountants in Family Law
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Differentiate between the distinct types of bankruptcies.
- Determine the applicability of specific laws and deadlines set by the bankruptcy court and the IRS, including recent developments related thereto.
- Recall and apply key procedures to acquire and protect data while ensuring its integrity before beginning the analysis process.
- Identify the contexts and types of matters where business damages arise.
- Identify and apply the jurisdictional standards and guiding principles applicable to calculating damages involving individuals.
- Identify the issues and pitfalls associated with the infringement of copyrights and trademarks or the misappropriation of trade secrets.
- Apply guidelines for calculating commonly used remedies of damages associated with each type of intellectual property.
- Identify examples of patents and laws governing patents.
- Differentiate between a merger and an acquisition and the various structuring options in each.
- Analyze the risks associated with fraud and its economic impact to an organization.
- Compare the different roles of a forensic accountant in family law cases.
- Identify methods for asset valuation and recognize their importance in a divorce case.
Digital Badge: Your Professional Distinction
Set yourself apart as a future-ready financial professional. Upon completion, you will be awarded with a certificate in the form of a digital badge. Digital badges allow you to distinguish yourself in the marketplace and show your commitment to quality. The badge can be posted to your social media profiles and linked to your resume or email signature, providing maximum visibility to your achievement.
Credit Info
- CPE CREDITS: Online: 43.0 (CPE credit info)
- NASBA FIELD OF STUDY: Accounting
- LEVEL: Intermediate
- PREREQUISITES: Foundational knowledge of forensic accounting
- ADVANCE PREPARATION: None
- DELIVERY METHOD: QAS Self-Study
- COURSE ACRONYM: FAIE
Online Access Instructions
A personal pin code is enclosed in the physical packaging that may be activated online upon receipt. Once activated, you will gain immediate online access to the product for one full year.
System Requirements
AICPA's online CPE courses will operate in a variety of configurations, but only the configuration described below is supported by AICPA technicians.
A stable and continuous internet connection is required. In order to record your completion of the online learning courses, please ensure you are connected to the internet at all times while taking the course. It is your responsibility to validate that CPE certificate(s) are available within your account after successfully completing the course and/or exam.
Supported Operating Systems:
- Macintosh OS X 10.10 to present
- Windows 7 to present
Supported Browsers:
- Apple Safari
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Mozilla Firefox
Required Browser Plug-ins:
- Adobe Flash
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
Technical Support: Please contact service@aicpa.org.
About the Author: The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with more than 429,000 members in the United States and worldwide, and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. The AICPA sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA examination, offers specialized credentials, builds the pipeline of future talent and drives professional competency development to advance the vitality, relevance and quality of the procession.
