New Uni Course
In the midst of all this talk of HE cuts, the University of Portsmouth Business School has in fact got a new course to introduce. The new distance-learning forensic accounting course is the University’s response to the growing need for such specialists during this recession.
The course is aimed at professionals who wish to study alongside their employment since distance-learning programmes are ideal for people with other commitments that don’t allow them to commit to a rigid timetable of study. It also enables those not within a commutable distance of Portsmouth to enjoy the benefits and resources of the University.
The course develops student’s accounting skills for use in civil, criminal and corporate litigation including business valuation, assessment of economic damages, proceeds of crime and fraud and money laundering which are existing problems at their peak given the current economic climate. It also teaches how to investigate a case, gather evidence, prepare expert reports and provide evidence.
“Forensic accounting is a demanding subject because it crosses a number of disciplines,” said course leader Dr James Hicks. “It captures so much more than pure accounting as students gain a sociological and criminological understanding of fraud too.
“Last year PricewaterhouseCoopers generated £60 million from forensic work and said it had taken on 40 additional specialists to keep up with demand – so this is the perfect time to be embarking on a forensic accounting career.”
Student, Peter Jackson, a Detective Sergeant in the financial investigation unit of North Wales Police said: “Forensic accountancy work is becoming more high-profile and experts in the field more sought after. This course will allow me to go into the subject in so much more depth and will be invaluable for my current position in the police”.
“The distance-learning format is ideal because it fits around my family and work commitments and when I retire from the force this should give me a ready-made career if I decide to pursue it.”
Forensic accounting is the fastest growing area of accounting with recruitment in high demand.
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