Looking for an exciting career in finance? Thinking of being an investigator? If you can answer yes to both of these questions, then Forensic Accounting may be just the career for you!

Forensic means legal and investigative. Accounting involves the ability to record and summarize business and financial transactions as well as to analyze, verify, and report the results. Hence, the Forensic Accounting program instills students with the knowledge necessary to utilize accounting, auditing and investigative skills when conducting an investigation. This exciting and interesting area of accounting focuses on fraud investigation, dispute resolution, litigation, money laundering and other criminal investigations.

Forensic Accountants are trained to look beyond the numbers and deal with the business reality of the situation and serve as the financial gatekeepers of the business world. As an accountant, your highly technical training will often classify you as the "engineer" of the business world.

Forensic Accountants may be employed for many different reasons to include the following:

• Investigate and analyze financial evidence to detect financial crimes, fraud, theft, and embezzlement.
• Analyze the accounting financial records for fraudulent incidents.
• Prepare court exhibits to communicate findings to the court along with providing expert testimony.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of complex financial systems.

A Forensic Accountant may be involved in the following cases: criminal investigation, partnership dispute litigation, personal injury claims, insurance claims, mediation and arbitration, fraud investigation, business economic losses, or negligent cases.

Mount Marty is unique by offering accounting students assistance as you prepare for a wide-range of national certifications. You can prepare for national & international examinations for:

• CFE: Certified Fraud Examiner
• CPA: Certified Public Accountant
• CMA: Certified Managerial

The Forensic Accounting program utilizes a combination of Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Information Technology courses to provide a Forensic Accounting major. Students learn approaches for fraud detection, investigation and prevention as well as gain an understanding in how to utilize accounting, auditing, and investigative skills when conducting an investigation.

Although the curriculum for Forensics Accounting is similar to the standard accounting program, there is the addition of several key courses designed specifically for forensics accounting, so you will be well prepared for many different career paths in accounting.

MMC also offers programs in Information Technology. The impact of computers in forensics accounting is so strong, most accounting majors at MMC add an additional minor in information technology to their degree. Students who enroll in both programs will have an advantage in their careers.

Regardless of the avenue chosen, students will receive a distinctive curriculum designed to prepare them for possible national certification. Faculty is supplemented by members of the Yankton business community including accountants, bankers, and attorneys who can offer their expertise in various aspects of the accounting field.

Students are advised by experienced faculty in preparing for national and international professional exams. The faculty is familiar with all professional accounting examinations.