1. Review requirements

To receive recognition as a Forensic Accounting Specialist through Emerging Pathway, you must:

• be a Chartered Accountant with at least two years of practical forensic accounting experience within the previous five years, where at least 20% of employment is specifically related to forensic accounting and an additional 20% is in an area closely related to forensic accounting.
• successfully complete the five mandatory subjects within a Master of Accounting qualification at the Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, Macquarie Business School
• apply for CA ANZ recognition within five years of completing the four mandatory subjects
• continue to undertake at least 40% of CPD requirements in forensic accounting as an approved CA Forensic Accounting Specialist.

2. Enrol with the Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, Macquarie Business School

Enrol in the Master of Accounting course with the Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, Macquarie Business School and complete the four mandatory subjects identified below. 

The below four subjects were previously available:

• ACCG8076   Forensics and Data Analytics
• ACCG8077   Forensic Accountants and the Court
• ACCG8078   Investigation Engagements
• ACCG8089   Loss and Damage and Other Dispute Engagements

Please note that some of the above courses have been discontinued at the Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, Macquarie Business School and replaced with below from 2025.  If you have completed above courses, you are eligible to continue but if above course are not available, please select from below courses:

• ACCG8047 - Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting
• ACCG8048 - Business and Professional Ethics
• ACCG8076 - Forensic and Data Analytics
• ACCG8086 - Cyber Security, Governance Frameworks and Ethics

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please connect with the Specialisations team. 

3. Upon Completion

When you have successfully completed the course and practical experience requirements, you can apply to CA ANZ for formal recognition as a CA Forensic Accounting Specialist.

Approved applicants will receive:

• A welcome email from the Assessment Team containing your approval letter
• A hard copy certificate of recognition
• A welcome email from the Specialisation team with the relevant Specialist signature banner (for your promotional use), links to resources and marketing guide
• Annual specialisation subscription fee that is prorated for the first year (refer to ‘Application for Recognition form’ for current fees)
• 4 hours of complimentary CPD each financial year (valued at AU$320 incl GST)
• 2 hours of complimentary Ethics CPD to help you meet your mandatory compliance obligations each financial year (valued at AU$195 incl GST)

Complimentary Specialists Networking events each financial year to provide you with opportunities to connect and network with other specialists.