Postgraduate Diploma in Investigative and Forensic Accounting

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Investigative and Forensic Accounting is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to prevent, detect and investigate economic crimes and other fraud-related misconduct in the public and private sector contexts in South Africa. The qualification builds on the premise that professional conduct which seeks to prevent, detect and investigate economic crimes, should withstand judicial scrutiny in criminal, civil and disciplinary proceedings.

Rationale

On a national and international level, economic crime poses a significant threat to the stability of financial systems and democratic institutions. The reason for developing this qualification is to attend to the need to ensure that economic crimes (such as fraud and corruption) are ethically, fully and properly investigated with due regard to the plethora of relevant national and international laws and regulations. Forensic Investigations are multi-disciplinary and liaison with professional bodies and players in the industry ensures that the curricula remain relevant and up-to-date. Regular consultations with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (an internationally recognised body with a South African Chapter) as well as the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP) are held in this regard.

Typical learners for this qualification are amongst others, law enforcement officials, fraud examiners, compliance officers, forensic accountants, auditors and legal practitioners. The most appropriate learning pathway is a blended learning approach, which entails contact sessions as well as e-learning activities. This learning pathway facilitates peer learning and social learning and exposes learners to experts in the field. The qualification will benefit learners, society and the economy by delivering competent investigators who can contribute to a society and the economy by preventing, detecting and investigating economic crimes and other fraud-related misconduct. By competently investigating economic crimes, within the context of the ever-changing technological milieu, a significant contribution can be made to the combating of economic crimes and the restoration of the public's trust.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• An appropriate Bachelor, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 60 Credits

• Economic Crime Schemes, 20 Credits.
• Fraud Risk Management, 20 Credits.
• Investigation of Financial Crime, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8, 60 Credits (Choose three)

• Law, 20 Credits.
• Money Laundering Investigation and detection, 20 Credits.
• Civil disputes, 20 Credits.
• Investigation and management of Cybercrime, 20 Credits.
• Interviewing skills, 20 Credits.
• Prevention and Detection of Corruption and procurement fraud, 20 Credits.
• Basic Financial Investigation, 20 Credits.

1. Engage critically with the theory and practice of economic crime and other fraud-related misconduct.
2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of fraud risk management within organisations.
3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the prevention, detection and investigation of financial crime and other fraud-related misconduct as well as the relevant methods, tools and techniques to be used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of fraud, types of fraud, legal aspects associated with fraud, and the law of evidence.
• Demonstrate an understanding of various economic crime schemes.
• Detect fraud in a case study scenario by performing financial ratio analyses and tracing undeclared/hidden assets through financial or other records.
• Identify threats to an investigation in a case study scenario.
• Gather evidence in a forensically sound manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and discuss the legal aspects associated with fraud, and the law of evidence.
• Recommend relevant measures to prevent economic crime and other fraud-related misconduct.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Plan an investigation based on a case study scenario considering issues such as procurement fraud, money laundering and cyber-crime.
• Perform an investigation based on a case study scenario considering the use of relevant methods, tools and techniques.
• Report the results of the investigation to relevant parties in a professional manner.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment opportunities are considered an integral part of facilitating learning. Assessment is seen as central to the learning and teaching process, providing both formative and summative assessment opportunities as well as requiring an element of holistic, integrated assessment in line with the overall purpose of the qualification. Formative assessments are performed continuously throughout the programme. This includes written individual and group assignments, role-play, research reports and case studies. The summative assessment consists of written examinations which are moderated internally and externally. Faculty perform moderation appointed internal and external examiners according to prescribed University standards and policy.