Forensic Accounting Niche is Embraced by Georgia Society of CPAs

Recognizing the ongoing rapid growth in the field of forensic accounting, the Board of Directors of the Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) began a strong initiative in 2008 to help meet the needs of GSCPA members who work in this exciting practice area. Steps taken to-date include:

• Approved a name change for the Section which was formed several years ago to serve members interested in valuation and litigation services. Formerly called the Valuation & Litigation Services Section, the new, re-branded name is the Forensic & Valuation Services Section.
• Increased the number of practice areas addressed by the section to include all eight niche areas identified by the AICPA's Forensic and Valuation Services Center. The targeted areas are: 1) Bankruptcy and insolvency, 2) computer forensics, 3) economic damages, 4) family law, 5) fraud investigation, 6) litigation support, 7) stakeholder disputes, and 8) valuations. Other service specialties which may be added in the future might include such areas as internal controls, corporate governance, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, and internal audit.
• Expanded the size and makeup of the FVS Section Leadership Team to include GSCPA members with experience in each of the eight targeted niche areas.
• Launched an effective member communications program to announce the GSCPAs' commitment and plans for the FVS Section and its benefits to members.
• Surveyed the GSCPA membership regarding their interest in and perceptions pertaining to forensic accounting-related topics and how the GSCPA can best meet their needs through the FVS Section.
• Instituted the FVS Section Listserv, designed to improve the communication among Section members, offer a forum for exchanging ideas, and provide answers to questions and challenges faced by fellow members.
• Hosted the 2008 Fraud and Forensic Accounting Conference, an 8-hr CPE session attended by over 150 participants. The 2009 Fraud and Forensic Accounting Conference will be held on 9/18/09.
• Developed a schedule of monthly learning/networking events for Section members. These sessions include roundtable discussions, lunch 'n learn lectures (See my 2/9/09 post), webinars, informal discussion groups, and social/networking events, sometimes shared with organizations such as local bar associations, the Association of Certifed Fraud Examiners, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.

I am interested in hearing from leaders and members of other State CPA Society organizations that have targeted forensic accounting as a high-interest area among their constituents. There might be considerable mutual-benefit for our groups to exchange ideas. I encourage you to add your comments to this post, or if you prefer, email me at jeff.moore@jemoore.com.