Financial Crime World

UNODC Conducts Forensic Accounting Training for Philippines’ Office of the Ombudsman

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently conducted a three-day Forensic Accounting Training Course for investigators and prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines. The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively utilize forensic accounting techniques in combating corruption and financial crimes.

Training Objectives

  • Equip participants with knowledge of accounting principles and financial statement analysis
  • Enhance understanding of identifying irregularities and tracing illicit financial flows
  • Provide hands-on experience in dealing with complex financial investigations

Course Content

The training covered various aspects of forensic accounting, including:

  • Accounting principles
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Identifying irregularities
  • Tracing illicit financial flows

Participants were exposed to real-world scenarios, allowing them to gain practical insights and experience in dealing with complex financial investigations.

Survey Results

A survey conducted after the training showed that 100% of participants expressed being very highly or highly satisfied with the training and course content. Additionally, average test scores increased by an impressive 61.40% from pre-test to post-test, reflecting the participants’ enhanced understanding and proficiency in forensic accounting.

Benefits for the Office of the Ombudsman

The acquired knowledge, skills, and techniques will enable participants to:

  • Spearhead more effective investigations
  • Swiftly uncover financial irregularities
  • Empower the Office to tackle financial crimes and preserve justice

Follow-up Initiatives

The UNODC will follow up on this activity with additional trainings and capacity development initiatives involving the Ombudsman as well as other law enforcement authorities in the Philippines. This initiative was funded by the Kingdom of Denmark.

Importance of Forensic Accounting Training

Forensic accounting training is a critical step towards strengthening the capacities of anti-corruption agencies and law enforcement authorities to address transnational organized crimes such as:

  • Drug trafficking
  • Human trafficking
  • Terrorism

With this training, the Office of the Ombudsman will be better equipped to promote accountability, transparency, and integrity in the public sector.