About this learning event

This regional certification program is designed for public officials to acquire specialized forensic expertise in fraud detection and prevention, with a focus on the public sector. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical tools, participants will develop an understanding of relevant fraud schemes, apply digital forensic techniques, and effectively present and communicate findings for further investigation and analysis. The program also highlights the creation of proactive strategies to deter and prevent fraud within organizations.
The program will be delivered from October 2026 to March 2027. During the first three months, online training on the modules will be provided, offering participants the following knowledge across four online modules:

Module 1: Fraud Principles
This module introduces the basics of fraud, including its definition, types, and the fraud triangle (pressure, opportunity, rationalization). It also covers common fraud schemes, warning signs, key accounting concepts, and legal and ethical considerations.

Module 2: Fraud in the Public Sector
This module explores the unique characteristics and common schemes of fraud affecting governmental and non-profit entities, such as procurement and payroll fraud. It also examines governance frameworks, real-world case studies, and effective fraud risk assessment and prevention strategies, including COSO and ISO 37001.

Module 3: Digital Forensics
This module provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for acquiring, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence in fraud investigations. Participants will explore key forensic tools, legal considerations, and strategies for addressing cyber fraud and emerging digital threats.

Module 4: Data Analytics
This module introduces participants to the use of analytical techniques in identifying and preventing fraud, covering key concepts such as descriptive to prescriptive analytics. It includes practical applications of tools like ACL, IDEA, and Power BI, alongside real-world case studies, fraud detection methods, and ethical considerations.

Kick-off
The official kick-off of the Forensic Accounting and Auditing Certification Program will be delivered online. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the entire program.

Online exam
Upon completing the online training modules, participants will take an online multiple-choice exam. The first sitting is scheduled for January 2027, with a re-sit opportunity available in February 2027. Participants who achieve a minimum pass rate of 70% will be awarded the CEF-CIPFA certificate.

Workshop
As a final step, all participants, who will have attended majority of online sessions, will be invited to attend a three-day workshop. This event will cover key aspects of the selected training topic and include a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) session designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to take on the role of a tutor. It will enhance participants’ competencies, enabling them to share knowledge effectively and strengthen institutional resilience against fraud. The event will also serve as a formal ceremony to celebrate the awarding of certificates.

Upon successful completion of this certification program, participants will be able to:

• Understand core principles and psychological drivers of fraudulent behavior.
• Identify and assess fraud risks specific to public sector environments.
• Apply digital forensic methodologies to collect and analyze fraud-related evidence.
• Manage forensic assignments using industry-standard procedures.
• Develop and implement effective fraud prevention and deterrence strategies within organizational settings.

Faculty

Certification training will be delivered by:

Liljana Cvetanoska, CIPFA expert

Liljana has worked in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors as a consultant on anti-corruption for a range of international organizations. She has contributed to aligning national legislation with EU standards, conducted research for Transparency International in Macedonia on corruption trends in EU candidate countries, and led the CIPFA–UNODC Corruption Prevention Program in North Macedonia and Mauritius. Currently, she serves as a technical manager at CIPFA, where she leads global initiatives on anti-corruption and integrity. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, an MA in Contemporary European Studies from the University of Bath, and a Master’s by Research in Law from Queen Mary University of London. Her PhD at the University of Sussex explored the EU's influence on corruption control in Central and Eastern Europe and earned her a Chancellor’s International Research Scholarship.

Artan Osman, CIPFA expert

Artan Osman is a seasoned audit and governance professional with over two decades of experience in internal audit, financial oversight, and IT assurance across government and financial sectors. Currently serving as the Head of Internal Audit at the Higher College of Technology (HCT) in Dubai, he leads governance evaluations, risk assessments, and compliance initiatives. Previously, he held senior roles at the UAE State Audit Institution, overseeing IS audit engagements and strategy development and has worked with global organizations such as Sun Life Financial, PwC, and State Street Corporation.
A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), he holds a master’s in financial economics from Boston University. Fluent in multiple languages, he brings a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, financial controls, and IT governance to his work.

Yasir Fadil, CIPFA expert

Yasir Fadil is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) from the USA. He focuses on leveraging emerging technologies to transform audit practices. With over 20 years of combined experience in technology and auditing, he has served both the private and public sectors, including the Supreme Audit Institution of the UAE, PwC US, and State Street Bank in the US.
Mr. Fadil spearheaded the development of the Supreme Audit Institution's smart auditing platform, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to unlock valuable insights from vast amount of data. More recently, he has been instrumental in assisting SAI Pakistan in developing its Information System Audit methodology, audit toolkits, audit management software, and data analytics platform, contributing significantly to the SAI Pakistan Capacity Building and Transformation Project.

Target Audience

Public officials primarily working in auditing, accounting, compliance, internal control, law enforcement, and cybersecurity. Budget analysts, Inspectors, and investigators are also welcome to apply.

Practical Information

Participants must have the following technical equipment in place: reliable internet access, a laptop with a functioning camera and microphone, and appropriate software (e.g., CAATs). The training will be self-paced, with a calendar of activities shared in advance.
Participants are expected to attend online sessions, with specific attendance requirements to be confirmed at a later stage. Webinars will be conducted during business hours, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
At the end of the certification training, participants who will have attended at least three online meetings, will be invited to attend a live workshop, a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) session, and a formal graduation ceremony. Transfer, accommodation and lunch costs will be covered.

Partners

This learning initiative is supported by: