On completion of this program you will be up-to-date with the latest issues in forensic accounting and have had a chance to practise or improve your skills in this area. Benefits include development of specialist skills; increased ability to prepare thorough and convincing reports, increased understanding of court processes and improved ability to provide forensic services to clients. You will also benefit from immediate feedback from professional forensic experts. These highly practical training sessions will help you to prepare high quality reports and to simplify, communicate and be persuasive with your evidence.

Program Overview

The first full day workshop covers the theory, practice and procedures associated with preparing an expert witness report within the Australian legal framework.  Participants will be introduced to the law of expert witness and law of damages; dispute analysis, including the specific issues of quantification of loss, business valuation in the context of disputes, loss of income, and, preparing an expert witness report.

Following the workshop, participants will prepare a report based on the learnings on the first day. Then you will reconvene for an intensive full day Moot Court experience. During the Moot Court you will have an opportunity to give a segment of evidence in chief and/or be cross-examined on a case study and an experienced lawyer will give constructive feedback on your witness box presentation. You will gain an understanding of your role as a witness in court, the role of other court officers and participants, basics of the civil land criminal justice systems, courtroom etiquette, how to prepare, qualities of a good witness, dealing with memory as well as tips for success and common traps.

Who should attend?

This workshop is applicable to accounting professionals who are responsible for preparing reports for courts or tribunals and who can be called to give evidence in a court or tribunal. The program would benefit accountants in professional firms, insurance companies and government offices.

Time commitment

Participants are expected to attend 2 full days including a workshop and Moot Court. Participants undertake pre-reading and prepare a report.

Time and Location

To be advised

Presenters

Professor Colin Ferguson is Professor of Business Information Systems in the Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of Melbourne.

Dean Newlan is a partner at McGrathNicol Forensic

Peter Crofts, Barrister-at-law

Fees

$2500 plus GST.

To apply

Download our application form (pdf 92Kb)

Assessment and awards

All Open Programs may be taken on an assessed or non-assessed basis.

Those who wish to undertake this program on an assessed basis will be eligible for 6.25 credit points toward a Specialist Certificate in Forensic Accounting.

CPD Hours

Claim up to 20 CPD hours with CPA Australia.