FORENSIC ACCOUNTING

The demand for accounting professionals specializing in forensic accounting and fraud examination is growing as organizations face changing economic, regulatory, and competitive challenges across industries and countries. Technology makes it both easier and harder to engage in fraudulent activity. The accounting profession is becoming increasingly specialized to meet the demands of the evolving business environment. This event recognizes PBL members who possess advanced accounting knowledge.

The one-hour objective test may include questions on introduction to forensics and investigative accounting; forensic accounting education, institutions, and specialties; fraudulent financial reporting; detecting fraud in financial accounting; employee fraud; indirect methods of reconstructing income; money laundering; investigation of electronic data; and digital forensics analysis. In the case of a team, team members will take one test collaboratively

ELIGIBILITY

Participants must have paid state and national dues postmarked by February 15 of the current school year.

State                Each charter may enter one individual or team of 2 or 3 members.

National          See national guidelines: www.fbla-pbl.org.

REGULATIONS

State                When it has been determined that a student or team will represent the charter at state competition, the appropriate entry form must be sent to the state adviser received by the date specified in the SLC registration packet.  At the State Leadership Conference only an objective test will be given.

National          See national guidelines: www.fbla-pbl.org.  Participants will receive a case study the evening prior to the final round of competition.  Teams will have until the scheduled presentation time to research, document their research, and develop a presentation. Teams are not limited in research techniques and sources.

·         Participants must be selected in accordance with the regulations of the state chapter and the national association.

·         Individuals may not have competed in this event at a previous National Leadership Conference or placed 1st or 2nd in this event at a previous State Leadership Conference. In the case of a team, no more than one team member may have competed in this event at a previous National Leadership Conference or placed 1st or 2nd in this event at a previous State Leadership Conference.

·         Participants failing to report on time may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.

·         Team members will take one test collaboratively.

·         Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers.  Students may bring financial calculators to the event.  No other electronic devices may be brought to the event.   No reference materials or other items are to be brought to the event.

·         Participants must adhere to the dress code established by the Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

JUDGING

Tests will be machine graded.  In the event of a tie, the students’ performance on the final ten questions of the exam will be evaluated.  After that, if necessary, the order in which the tests were received will be used.

AWARDS

State                State awards for the top five places are presented at the State Leadership Conference.

National          The number of awards presented at the National Leadership Conference is determined by judges and/or number of entries.  The maximum number will be ten.