Forensic Accounting Certificate Online Fraud Examination Courses
Program Overview Why get a forensic accounting certificate online?
Learn to identify the red flags that indicate various types of fraud, fraud schemes and scams 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.
Skills you'll learn:
- Accounting regulations and ethics
- Fraud investigation, prevention and detection methods
- Risk assessment and management techniques
- Critical thinking, communication and research skills
Courses & Curriculum Forensic accounting classes to help prepare you for your career
The online graduate certificate in forensic accounting and fraud examination is designed to provide in-depth knowledge of auditing, forensic accounting and the detection and prevention of fraud. Through 4 highly focused courses, you'll gain skills and experience in risk management, ethical conduct, legal knowledge and communications.
Online forensic accounting certificate courses
In the forensic accounting certificate program at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll complete projects that demonstrate your understanding of legal and regulatory issues, how to conduct fraud examinations and interviews and the application of technology and analytics in fraud examinations. These are knowledge and skills that could help you prepare for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Exam.
Defining an area of specialization is another way to stand out in the accounting industry. If you're also pursuing your MS in Accounting degree at SNHU and want to pursue a fraud examination career, this could be a great certificate to add to your studies. The programs share 6 credits, allowing you to earn both a degree and certificate for only 36 credits — excluding foundations, if needed.
Note: 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 your core courses.
Courses may include:
Introduction to Forensic Accounting/ Fraud Exam
Course ID:
ACC 646
In this course, students will gain a basic understanding of forensic accounting and fraud examination. They will explore the legal requirements for both civil and criminal cases and examine the impacts of fraud on organizations. Students will be introduced to methods of fraud detection and prevention, along with the examination process. This course will cover content that is included in the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification exam.
Detection and Prevention of Fraudulent Financial Statements
Course ID:
ACC 691
This course will explore more fully the detection and prevention methods and techniques for assessing risk and reducing fraud. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the COSO framework used to evaluate internal controls within an organization. They will also more closely examine the fraud detection and prevention techniques and how these are implemented within industry. The relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards will be examined and applied throughout this course. This course will cover content that is included in the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification exam.
Interview Techniques/Legal Aspects of Fraud
Course ID:
ACC 692
This course will explore the legal requirements and relevant guidelines that need to be followed during a fraud examination. The role of the Fraud Examiner and their ethical and legal responsibilities will be reviewed. Students will also closely examine the behavioral factors that are associated with those who commit fraud and the current trends and data related to fraudulent activities. Effective interview strategies and techniques during a fraud investigation will be further examined in this course. This course will cover content that is included in the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification exam.
Investigating with Computers
Course ID:
ACC 693
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.
Visit the course catalog to view the full Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination curriculum.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- 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.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
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Upcoming term starts: March 24, 2025 | June 9, 2025
Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from knowledgeable forensic accounting professionals
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll gain knowledge from passionate faculty. Each of our forensic accounting classes is taught by experienced instructors and specifically designed to engage research-focused minds.
Featured Faculty
Mona Stephens
Mona Stephens teaches financial and managerial accounting at SNHU. She has over 25 years of accounting experience and has been teaching accounting for almost 20 years. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and a member of the Government Finance Officers Association, the American Association of Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants.
Position
Accounting Faculty Lead
Joined SNHU
2011
Education
- MS in Accountancy from California State University, Sacramento
- BS in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento
Dr. Emmanuel A. Appiah
Dr. Emmanual Appiah has been a senior technical support auditor for a governmental agency in the Washington, D.C. area for more than two decades. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. In addition, he serves on the editorial advisory boards of the AICPA "Journal of Accountancy" and ACFE's "Fraud Magazine. He's also a member of the District of Columbia Society of CPAs.
Position
Adjunct Faculty
Joined SNHU
2023
Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Evangel University
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Thomas Edison State University
- Master of Business Administration in Accounting from University of Central Missouri
- Doctor of Business Administration in Advanced Accounting from Northcentral University
"SNHU provides hands-on, real-time, high-quality, applicative and technical training for students beneficial for a lifetime professional, technical and experiential learning."
– Dr. Emmanuel A. Appiah
Kristin Regis
Kristin Regis began her teaching career as an English instructor at Edogawa University near Tokyo, Japan. Her passion for teaching and finance prompted her to start teaching finance courses part time at SNHU (both face-to-face and online) before transitioning into a full-time finance faculty lead role. Prior to working full time for SNHU, she held corporate and municipal leadership positions for over 10 years. Regis is a member of the Financial Planning Association
Position
Senior Associate Dean
Education
- MBA at Southern New Hampshire University
- MS in Financial Planning at Bentley University
- BS in Business Administration, Finance at University of Maine
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 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.
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 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
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Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online certificate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 12-credit certificate
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$7,644
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students*
$470
$1,410
$5,640
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Career Outlook What can I do with a certificate in forensic accounting?
The demand for professionals with accounting certificates and accounting degrees is rising, creating a strong job market for those with an accounting background.
And with a forensic accounting graduate certificate, you could put your investigation skills to use as a forensic accountant, fraud investigator or financial examiner – roles that have become increasingly crucial to business. According to a 2022 survey from PwC Global, 46% of surveyed organizations experienced fraud or other economic crime in 2020 and 2021, totaling billions of dollars in financial loss.1
Industries
With a career in fraud examination, you could find yourself practicing forensic accounting in a number of industries:
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.
20%
Increase in financial examiner positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2
$84,300
Median annual salary for financial examiners as of May 2023, according to the BLS.2
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.
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.1
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 in the industry today.3
How much do forensic accountants make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $79,880 in 2023 – above the wages for all workers.2 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 or 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.
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 2 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.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1 PwC, Protecting the perimeter: The rise of external fraud — PwC's Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey, 2022, on the internet, at https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/forensics/economic-crime-survey.html (viewed May 29, 2024)
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-examiners.htm (viewed May 29, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed May 29, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
3 Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, on the internet, at:
- https://www.acfe.com/training-events-and-products/all-events/in-person-events/event-detail-page?s=CFE-Exam-Review-Course-0823WDC (viewed May 29, 2024)
- https://www.acfe.com/fraud-resources/compensation-guide (viewed May 29, 2024)
- https://www.acfe.com/CFE-Credential/Eligibility (viewed May 29, 2024)
4 American Board of Forensic Accounting, Steps to Certification, on the internet, at http://abfa.us/steps/ (viewed May 29, 2024)