Examining the Effectiveness of Fraud Detection Training in Enhancing Audit Professional Competence

Posted: Jun 03, 2022

• Miles Carter
• Niko Ross
• Faith Mitchell

Abstract

The contemporary financial landscape presents unprecedented challenges for audit professionals, who must navigate increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes while maintaining the integrity of financial reporting systems. Traditional audit training has historically emphasized technical accounting standards and compliance requirements, often treating fraud detection as a peripheral competency rather than a core professional skill. This research addresses a critical gap in the professional development literature by systematically examining how specialized fraud detection training transforms audit professional competence beyond conventional technical proficiency. Recent financial scandals and the escalating complexity of financial instruments have highlighted the limitations of traditional audit approaches in detecting sophisticated fraud. The work of Ahmad, Malik, and Khan (2021) on forensic accounting and information systems auditing demonstrates the potential of coordinated approaches to fraud investigation, yet their research primarily focuses on investigative techniques rather than the developmental impact on professional competence. Our study builds upon this foundation by investigating how the integration of forensic methodologies into audit training fundamentally enhances professional capabilities.