How to Write a Forensic Accounting Paper

A degree in forensic accounting is a valuable tool. The industry is exploding as more businesses and government institutions rely on accountants to investigate paper trails, look into sources of revenue and spending and help find discrepancies in accounting procedures, During the four or six years spent studying for a degree, you will have to write many papers.

Things You'll Need

• Topic Outline References Editor

Instructions

1. Narrow the subject as much as possible. The field of forensic accounting is wide open and touching on more and more issues as regulators and bankers realize the intricacies of accounting practices and often how little they know. Find a topic that can easily be researched and that will allow you to remain focused. Whether it's a 650-word paper on the general methods used in forensic accounting for a freshman paper or a 300-page master's thesis on how terrorism manages funds, use a narrow scope when choosing the focus of the paper.

2. Write an outline. Include topics that you want to cover in the paper. Review the outline to make sure there is a coherent thought to the paper that includes an introduction to the topic, the body of work and a conclusion. Make sure to include subheadings that lead to coverage of accounting methods, how to follow paper trails and how to keep up with changing financial regulations. Consider the word length in each part of the outline.

3. Begin research, being careful to document every source. While you may not use every reference that you read, you can save a lot of time by keeping track of sources so that you can refer to them later and cite them when appropriate. Utilize resources such as the Journal of Forensic Accounting. The National Association of Forensic Accountants can provide professionals you can interview to add relevant insights into your subject matter. Take notes as you read and interview subjects, considering in which section of the outline the information will be placed. Avoid extraneous information that does not support your narrow focus.

4. Set a deadline for yourself for completing each section. Break down the actual writing process into sections that are more manageable. Write each section in a free-flow style while following your notes and the outline. Include published and professional forensic references in each section. Deadlines and attention to detail are important traits for a forensic accountant to possess; writing a paper on the subject is a good way to practice these skills

5. Put all the sections together and reread the final paper, making changes, removing extraneous and repetitive copy, and correcting errors. Check the word count; cut extra words and sentences if the paper is too long.

6. Ask someone to read your paper before turning it in. An extra set of eyes on your work can find errors, faulty logic and inadequate explanations. Use new contacts in the industry to read your paper and point out any shortcomings. Give yourself at least a week to make adjustments after letting someone else read the paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Join the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners under a student membership to take advantage of the resources and professional contacts you can make while still in school. Utilize other members for feedback before turning in your final paper.

• Be wary of term paper services that sell completed essays, theses and term papers. While they may fly under the radar of plagiarism checkers, they can work against your goal of graduating if you get caught. In addition, the learning curve on the job will be greater for those who haven't spent the time learning their chosen field thoroughly.

Resources

• The Journal of Forensic Accounting can be a useful research tool.