Financial Crime World

Forensic Accounting for Financial Crimes in Botswana

A New Era of Investigative Expertise

In a bid to combat financial crimes and corruption, the government of Botswana has introduced a new program that aims to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to investigate and prevent economic offences. The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Financial Accounting (BSc.FFAC) program is designed to train high-caliber forensic accountants who can apply their expertise to make a positive impact in society.

Program Mission

The BSc.FFAC program aims to produce graduates who are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills in forensic accounting, investigation, auditing, litigation support, and fraud examination. Students will learn how to utilize rapidly developing information technologies widely used by the forensic accounting sector, enabling them to transform theoretical knowledge into practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of forensic financial accounting methods
  • Manage forensic financial accounting activities effectively
  • Create awareness of relevant legislation governing economic crime, including common law aspects and the law of evidence
  • Develop high-level expertise in forensic financial accounting that contributes to safety, cost-effectiveness, or efficiency in operations
  • Expose participants to a wide range of case studies relating to economic crime
  • Provide guidance on investigative techniques and tools
  • Expose participants to best practices in fraud risk management

Enrolment Criteria

The program is open to candidates who meet the following criteria:

Normal Entry

  • NCQF Level 4 in General Education (e.g., Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education or equivalent) with a pass in English and Mathematics
  • Graduate with NCQF Level 5, Certificate in a related field
  • NCQF Level 4 in TVET (in relevant certificate IV)

Mature Entry

  • Candidates who meet the necessary criteria set by individual ETPs in accordance with their respective policies and regulations for admission

Modules Covered

The program covers a wide range of modules, including:

Core Modules

  • Introduction to Forensic Financial Accounting
  • Business Communications
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Economic Crimes
  • Forensic Data Analytics and Electronic Evidence
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Business Law
  • Computer Crimes and Cyber Security
  • Money Laundering, Detection, and Investigation
  • Financial Risk Management Software
  • Mathematics for Forensic Financial Accounting

Specialized Modules

  • Psychology of the Fraudster
  • Fraud Detection and Techniques
  • Professional Ethic
  • Prevention and Detection of Corruption and Procurement Fraud
  • Cyber Forensics and Information Technology
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Treasury Management
  • Public Sector Finance
  • Forensic Investigations
  • Research Methods
  • Security Architectures and System Administration
  • Project Management

Electives

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Investment Analysis
  • Actuarial Products and Liabilities
  • Corporate Finance
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Corporate Governance
  • International Financial Markets
  • International Financial Forensics
  • Digital Forensics for the Fraud Examiner
  • Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Corruption in Public Organizations
  • Corporate and White-Collar Crime
  • Forensic Auditing

Final Year Modules

  • Dissertation
  • Industrial Attachment

Career Pathways

Graduates of the BSc.FFAC program can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including:

  • Forensic Accountant
  • Forensic Auditor
  • Fraud Investigator
  • Equity Research Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Insurance and other financial services industries
  • Major Corporations
  • State and Local Government
  • Corporate Analyst
  • Law Enforcement
  • Small and Mid-size Businesses
  • Non-Profit Sector
  • Private Practice
  • Banking and Brokerage
  • Investment Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Finance Manager

The BSc.FFAC program is an ideal way to start a career in forensic accounting and investigative assistance, with a wide range of job titles available in various industries. Graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact in society and combat financial crimes and corruption.