Boost Your Fraud Examiner Career
- $637 per credit for 12 credits
- Complete in as little as 20 weeks
- Pursue an advanced career in fraud examination and financial accounting
- Aligned with the CFE Exam
- Add to an MS in Accounting for a specialized skill set
- Accountant and auditor jobs expected to grow 6% through 20311
Graduate Certificate in Fraud Examination Program Overview
Dig deeper into the world of investigative accounting by enrolling in the online Graduate Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Certificate program at Southern New Hampshire University. Aligned with the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Exam, this certificate can help you develop professional skepticism skills and gain an eye for detail with a background in accounting basics and legal concepts.
Each course is taught by an experienced instructor and specifically designed to engage research-focused minds. As you progress, you'll learn accounting practices – like tax investigations, civil litigation support and specialized audits – that can help you angle for higher-level positions in the future.
This certificate is an ideal choice if you're pursuing an MS in Accounting degree and would also like to define an area of specialization. The curricula share six credits, allowing you to earn both a degree and certificate for only 36 credits — excluding foundations, if needed.
SNHU provides additional information for education programs on our Licensure and Certification Disclosures page.
What You'll Learn
- Accounting regulations and ethics
- Fraud investigation, prevention and detection methods
- Risk assessment and management techniques
- Critical thinking, communication and research skills
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Career Outlook
Forensic accounting combines accounting principles with the detection and prevention of fraud against the government, corporations, organizations and individuals.
The demand for professionals with accounting certificates and accounting degrees is rising, creating a strong job market for those with an accounting background. In 2021 alone, about 1.4 million were employed as accountants or auditors.1 And forensic accountants have become crucial to business since – according to a 2022 survey, 46% of surveyed organizations experienced fraud or other economic crime in 2020 and 2021, totaling billions of dollars in financial loss.2
Job Growth
Salary
In 2021, the median annual wage for all accountants and auditors was $77,250.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that accountants and auditors who've earned professional recognition should have an advantage in the job market.1
And that works out well for those pursuing SNHU's online Fraud Examiner Certificate, because the forensic accounting courses you'll take can help prepare you for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam.
What can a CFE certification do for your career? According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), it can help you3:
- Increase your earnings – CFEs make about 17% more than their non-certified colleagues
- Increase your marketability — CFE is known as the standard of excellence in the field and nearly 90% of Fortune 500® companies employ at least one CFE
- Impact your company's bottom line — Companies with CFEs on staff uncover fraud about 40% sooner
Forensic accountants also have plenty of choices as to where they could work.
Consulting firms
Help businesses — including financial institutions, as well as public and private enterprises — conduct, facilitate or oversee investigative accounting work.
Financial institutions
Work as an in-house forensic accountant, monitoring fiscal activity, setting guidelines for financial compliance and conducting risk assessments.
Public accounting firms
Assist a variety of clients who are in need of investigative support and/or risk mitigation services.
Government organizations
Help support efforts to control government spending by ensuring public funds are being used.
Insurance companies
Conduct claims analysis and processing for insurance claims to ensure adequate services are rendered and align with billing and adjustments.
Law enforcement agencies
Participate in criminal investigations involving financial crimes by auditing accounting records in search of misappropriation of funds evidence.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Fraud Examiner Certificate
Why SNHU For Your Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. You can also craft your educational pathway to fit your life and career. Some of our certificate programs, for example, can stack into an associate, bachelor’s or master’s program — helping you build the skills and credentials you need to succeed.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
You could also earn college credit for previous work experience or professional credentials — saving you time and money.
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free application
- Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete free graduate application
- Submit undergraduate transcripts
- Walk through the application process with an admission counselor
Your Next Big Step
Mona Stephens, accounting faculty lead
"This is a good certificate for someone already working in accounting — with a bachelor's in accounting — who wants to move into a forensic accounting and fraud examination position."
Courses & Curriculum
The online Fraud Examiner Certificate is designed to provide in-depth knowledge of auditing, forensic accounting, and the detection and prevention of fraud.
Throughout the course of the program, you can gain skills and experience in:
- Risk management
- Ethical conduct
- Legal knowledge
- Communications
"Students learn to identify the red flags that indicate various types of fraud, fraud schemes and scams," said Mona Stephens, accounting faculty lead at Southern New Hampshire University. "Projects are completed that demonstrate understanding in recognizing legal and regulatory issues, how to conduct fraud examinations and interviews, as well as use of technology and analytics in fraud examinations."
Students may also use the forensic accounting and fraud examination certificate to help them prepare for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Exam, as it covers corresponding content.
Core courses include:
- ACC-640 Auditing: Learn the various aspects of completing an engagement for an audit and apply industry frameworks and governing standards to the audit planning process.
- ACC-646 Introduction to Forensic Accounting/Fraud Exam: Gain a basic understanding of forensic accounting and fraud examination.
- ACC-691 Detection and Prevention of Fraudulent Financial Statements: Explore more fully the detection and prevention methods for assessing risk and reducing fraud.
- ACC- 692 Interview Techniques/Legal Aspects of Fraud: Explore the legal requirements that need to be followed during a fraud examination and the role of a fraud examiner.
If you don't have an undergraduate accounting or business degree, you may be required to complete business foundation courses (6 credits) and/or accounting foundation courses (12 credits) in addition to these core courses.
View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
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Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination |
Courses May Include | ||
---|---|---|
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination | ||
ACC 646 | Introduction to Forensic Accounting/ Fraud Exam | This course will develop the student's understanding of what forensic accounting and fraud examination is and how it pertains to both civil and criminal matters. The student will gain a basic understanding of the characteristics of fraud, fraud prevention and detection, investigative techniques, asset recovery, and the use of information technology in this interesting and growing profession. |
ACC 691 | Detection and Prevention of Fraudulent Financial Statements | This second course in forensic accounting and fraud examination examines the various types of fraud and its impact on the financial information presented. The objective of this course is to identify common fraud schemes and scams. Participants in this course will learn how to review, detect, and investigate possible financial statement fraud by addressing such topics as income smoothing, off balance sheet financing, fictitious sales/revenue, and understatement of liabilities, just to name a few. Various techniques will be used to explore substantive analytical procedures to assess the risks of financial statement fraud. |
ACC 692 | Interview Techniques/Legal Aspects of Fraud | This third course in forensic accounting and fraud examination will acquaint the participant with interview principles and techniques. Additionally, the participant will be exposed to some of the legal aspects pertaining to the identification and prosecution of fraud. |
ACC 693 | Investigating with Computers | This fourth course in the Graduate Certificate will provide guidance and knowledge for conducting investigations via machine. The skills of the participant in this course will be strengthened in such areas as identification of the types of public records available to investigate; how to access the public records through databases; navigation of the Internet to find useful material; the use of fraud-related software packages to detect and investigate possible fraudulent activities; and the use of data analysis programs and spreadsheets to detect fraud. |
Total Credits: 12 |
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|---|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Tuition & Fees
At SNHU, we’re committed to making education more accessible by making it more affordable.
Beyond low tuition rates, we help our students save through transfer credits, credit for prior learning, grants and scholarships, tuition assistance and more. Full- and part-time U.S. service members (as well as the spouses of those on active duty) are additionally eligible for a 25% tuition discount.
This certificate program is eligible for Federal Student Aid.
Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 15 credits |
---|---|---|---|
Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 | $9,555 |
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 | $7,050 |
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
What do forensic accountants do?
Forensic accounting is a specialized form of accounting that typically revolves around financial disputes or fraud. These accountants investigate and audit accounts and records to help others either come to an agreement or be brought to trial.
A few areas in which forensic accountants can help people or organizations include:
- Bribery and/or corruption
- Business losses and/or bankruptcy
- Counterintelligence and/or terrorism
- Customer fraud
- Family/marital disputes
- Hidden or misappropriated assets
- Insurance claims
- Money laundering
- Tax fraud
Earning a Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Certificate as a complement to your bachelor's degree in accounting or an addition to your master's in accounting or master's in finance can give you an enviable skill set.
Forensic accountants may be asked to:
- Trace funds and identify assets for recovery
- Conduct analysis of financial data
- Prepare reports from financial findings
- Prepare data for litigation and testify as needed
You'll also need to be on the watch for both internal and external perpetrators. In a 2022 survey, 43% of external predators, 31% of internal predators and 26% of colluding internal and external predators were the cause of the most disruptive or serious incidents of fraud.2
How do you become a certified forensic accountant?
You can become a Certified Forensic Accountant (CRFAC) through the American Board of Forensic Accounting (ABFA).
So, how can you earn this certification4?
- Apply for ABFA membership, and share your accounting education and experience.
- Take the review program.
- Pass the certification exam, which includes sections on cyber, fraud, litigation, practice/theory and valuations.
While you must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or international equivalent in order to be eligible to apply for a CRFAC credential, SNHU's Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination supports students in their pathway towards a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.
What is the best forensic accounting certification?
The best forensic accounting certification is the one that gives you both the skills you need and the recognition from employers.
Many would argue that the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential is the one that organizations look for in a forensic accountant. Administered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), it's considered the world's largest anti-fraud organization.
The ACFE notes that CFEs are different because they have a "unique set of skills that are not found in any other career field or discipline; they combine knowledge of complex financial transactions with an understanding of methods, law and how to resolve allegations of fraud."3
The organization reports that to become a CFE, you must meet high educational, professional and ethical standards – and that's because the certification is considered one of the most marketable credentials out there today.3
How much do forensic accountants make?
In 2021 the median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $77,250 – well above the wages for all workers.1 But forensic accountants may be able to earn quite a bit more.
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the median annual salary for CFE members in 2022 was $106,000.3
Based on educational experience and professional credentials/certifications, CFEs may have additional earnings potential. For instance, a CFE who also holds a master's degree in accounting and a CPA designation is likely to have a higher salary than a CFE who doesn't.
Certified or not, you should find that your paycheck as an accountant is both professionally and personally rewarding.
How do I become a Certified Fraud Examiner in the USA?
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), you must satisfy the following five requirements to earn your Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential3:
- You must be an associate member of the ACFE to take the CFE Exam and earn the CFE credential.
- You must have a minimum of 40 points in the eligibility points system to take the CFE Exam and a minimum of 50 points to be certified.
- You must have at least two years of professional experience in a field related to the detection or deterrence of fraud.
- You must pass the CFE Exam in order to earn the CFE credential.
- You must agree to abide by the ACFE’s bylaws and Code of Professional Ethics in order to be an associate member of the ACFE and maintain your CFE credential.
Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate is aligned with the CFE Exam to help you gain the skills required to successfully pass the exam. Earning the certificate in addition to a CFE designation may help you gain a competitive advantage in the job market, as would coupling the certificate with an MS in Accounting degree.
How difficult is it to become a Certified Fraud Examiner?
A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential is quite advanced. However, the level of difficulty a candidate experiences while acquiring it is largely dependent on their existing experience and skill set. Additionally, not all high-level jobs in the field require you to be a CFE, but it's a great way to substantially increase your marketability.
What skills do you need to be a fraud examiner?
SNHU's online Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate helps you gain the following skills, all of which are essential to becoming a fraud examiner:
- Risk management
- Ethical conduct
- Legal knowledge
- Communications
Upon completion of the certificate, you should be able to apply and develop fraud investigation, detection, documentation and prevention techniques in order to mitigate accounting and financial fraud in organizations and adhere to the ethical responsibilities of fraud investigators.
Which is better: a CPA or CFE designation?
Both Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designations are impressive. One isn’t necessarily better than the other — they’re just different.
So what differentiates the two?
A CPA is considered an expert in all things accounting, though they may choose to pursue a specialization. To account for this, the newly revised CPA Exam requires candidates to choose one of 3 discipline areas in which to demonstrate greater knowledge — Business Analysis and Reporting for Accounting, Information Systems and Controls, and Tax Compliance and Planning.
On the other hand, a CFE's training is focused on detecting, investigating and preventing fraud.
CPAs and CFEs can take on some of the same tasks, however, including tax preparation, financial planning and internal auditing.
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References
Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3, 4)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed May 26, 2023). Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2 PwC, Protecting the perimeter: The rise of external fraud — PwC's Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey, 2022 [PDF], on the internet, at https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/forensics/gecsm-2022/PwC-Global-Economic-Crime-and-Fraud-Survey-2022.pdf (viewed May 25, 2023)
3 Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, on the internet, at:
- https://www.acfe.com/cfe-membership.aspx (viewed June 6, 2023)
- https://www.acfe.com/training-events-and-products/all-events/in-person-events/event-detail-page?s=CFE-Exam-Review-Course-0823WDC (viewed June 6, 2023)
- https://www.acfe.com/fraud-resources/compensation-guide (viewed June 6, 2023)
- https://www.acfe.com/CFE-Credential/Eligibility (viewed June 6, 2023)
4 American Board of Forensic Accounting, Steps to Certification, on the internet, at http://abfa.us/steps/ (viewed Oct. 12, 2020)