Excellent Forensic Accounting Book

D. Larry Crumbley
Lester E. Heitger
G. Stevenson Smith
2nd Edition

The very first time I heard about forensic accounting I was in Colombia. I just had earned my CPA license in that country. I wanted to become a forensic accounting expert. However, years went by without books or material available to build the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to become a Forensic Accountant. I persevere when it comes to achieving my dreams, so the lack of sources of information never discouraged me.

With the book Forensic and Investigative Accounting the void was filled. I had already learned about D.Larry Crumbley; to me, his name has become a permanent link to forensic accounting. He has written more than 55 books and novels related to this theme. He has several credentials, among them Certified Forensic Accountant, CrFA, Certified Public Accountant, CPA, Forensic Certified Public Accountant, FCPA. D. Larry Crumbley is a KPMG Peat Marwick endowed Professor in the Department of Accounting, Louisiana State University. He contributes articles for many professional organizations. He joined his knowledge with two colleagues: Professor Lester E. Heitger, CPA who teaches a Forensic Accounting course and has served as forensic accountant and /or testified as an expert witness in more than 30 cases, and G. Stevenson Smith, Ph.D., CMA, and CPA, who has authored many articles related to forensic accounting.

Forensic and Investigative Accounting has a wealth of information very well articulated. It engages the reader actively and keeps his or her attention through the entire chapter. Each chapter begins with a Chapter Opening that lists the learning objectives, an overview, and a framework for understanding the material covered in the chapter. I love the special features represented by forensic stories incorporated throughout the chapters. Eyewitness features depict forensic events or actions. Spotlight features are used to interject a longer story or a forensic concept. In line with demands of the society, the Ethics features are used when ethical standards are reproduced. Legal cases or regulatory rulings are under the Law and Order features. The authors did not overlook the importance of practical illustrations. They incorporated them in the Examples. Conclusions, exercises, and further research are presented at the End-of-Chapter Materials. Finally, the End-of-Book Materials are excellent: a special Forensic Glossary and Appendices that offer additional source for further reading and research.

Forensic and Investigative Accounting has six parts and 18 chapters. These parts include the core elements of forensic accounting: Part 1 - Field and practice of forensic accounting; Part 2- Uncovering Accounting Crime; Part 3 – Courtroom Procedures and Litigation Support; Part 4 – Cybercrime; Part 5 – Business Valuations. To reinforce the concepts taught, the Part 6 – Forensic Capstone Illustration, presents two cases of fraud investigation simulating real-world engagements.

Every chapter is insightful and practical. I enjoyed the Chapter 6, Indirect Methods of Reconstructing Income. The Internal Revenue Service, IRS applies these methods to catch crooks.

Forensic and Investigative Accounting is an excellent and helpful book that will enhance what its authors have called KSAs, knowledge, skills, and abilities one needs for a forensic accounting career. KSAs include accounting, auditing, risk assessment and controls, as well as legal and investigative skills. Oral and written communications are also part of the set of KSAs.

I highly recommend this book for its valuable content. No doubt, the needs of those interested in forensic accounting were present when the authors chose the material it would cover. The CCH Study Mate, Personal Online Tutor that comes with the book reinforces the concepts learned through helpful tools such as additional readings, examples and observations, and last but not least, tests.

If you are ready for the challenge and excitement of forensic accounting, the textbook Forensic and Investigative Accounting is a must in your library. The third edition is already available.

If you are interested in this book, which I highly recommend, you will find it at Amazon.com at the link below. Check it out!