In forensic accounting, interviewing is used to obtain important information from witnesses and suspects. An important aspect is the ability of investigators to obtain accurate and reliable information from victims, witnesses and the suspects or any interviewee. The interview process is an essential part of information gathering for any investigation.

The importance of improving the quality of the interviewing with the potential for visual recording of all interviews should be placed high on the agenda of all organizations across the globe. A properly conducted forensic interview can result in an extreme benefit regarding collection of information. The interviewer’s role is to develop a full understanding of the facts.

There is a distinct difference between a forensic interview and a criminal interrogation. Typically, forensic auditors will not be involved in interrogations. The Canadian or U.S. forensic accounting profession does not have a standardized interview model to truly equip its professionals with the interview tools required to elicit confessions ethically. Majority of their skills are developed through experience, and not through a standardized model of training

This session focuses on various interview concepts and methods.

Learning Objectives
  • Identify and understanding the investigative interview process.
  • Explore the REID interview model.
  • Explore the PEACE interview model.
  • Explore and examine interviewing studies.
  • Discover and determining what interview process to use.
  • Explore motivational interviewing.
  • Identify general interview techniques.
  • Explore the developing questions.
  • Discover the considering evidence.
  • Recognize and analyze body language and behavioral signs.
  • Recognize final consideration steps.
Last updated/reviewed: August 25, 2023

Included In Certifications

This course is included in the following Certification Programs:

9 CoursesBecoming a Forensic Accountant Certification

  1. Introduction to Forensic Accounting
  2. Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant: Focus on Document Review and Handwriting Analysis
  3. Forensic and Fraud Interviewing Skills and Techniques
  4. Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant: Focus Digital Forensics
  5. Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant: Focus on Computer Forensics - Part 1
  6. Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant: Focus on Computer Forensics (Cryptology) - Part 2
  7. Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant: Focus on Computer Forensics (Steganography) Part 3
  8. Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant: Focus on Network Forensics
  9. Preparing to be a Forensic Accountant: Cloud Forensics
18 Reviews (72 ratings)

Reviews

4
Anonymous Author
Helpful overview of different interview models and clearly states the objectives of investigative interviews vs. interrogations. I found the section on analyzing body language to unhelpful because it cites the same unreliable rules of thumb you can read in unscientific pop psychology books. The instructor properly qualified these sections, but they took up a lot of time in the course, considering their very limited reliability and applicability.

4
Anonymous Author
Great overview about identifying and understanding the investigative interview process, Exploring the REID interview model, Exploring the PEACE interview model, Explore=ing and examine interviewing studies etc. along with examples.

5
Anonymous Author
I liked the variety of interviewing techniques discussed. I had taken a Reid course in the past, so was familiar with it. The other techniques were new and certainly gave me tools to consider using in different scenarios.

5
Anonymous Author
Good refresher and informative training on differences between forensic interviewing and interrogations. Helpful for reassessing how to conduct an interview in a respectful and process-oriented manner.

4
Member's Profile
Great course. However, one of the exam questions gave two instances of identical answers. Don't make the obvious selection of the first instance. That ruined my perfect score. :-(

5
Anonymous Author
Very interesting and informative. I learned a lot about how to conduct a successful interview. The difference between law enforcement and forensic accounting was very interesting.

5
Anonymous Author
Another very interesting and informative session delivered by Lynn. At some moment i had a feeling that it was too much information to digest. Overall five stars.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course on interviewing skills. Although I'd say that interrogations are truth finding conversations and interviews are information finding conversations.

5
Member's Profile
The field of forensic accounting is the most interesting sub field in this discipline. I can't wait for the next course!

4
Anonymous Author
Overall this was an interesting course and gave a good overview of different fraud interviewing techniques.

5
Member's Profile
This was a great course with just the right amount of information. Lynn Fountain is a great presenter.

5
Anonymous Author
Very good content given by a very knowledgeable trainer. I have learnt a lot on interviewing techniques.

4
Member's Profile
good knowledge of subject matter by instructor. Communicated with reasonable precision.

5
Anonymous Author
It is very interesting to learn many different tactics can be for fraud interviewing!

5
Anonymous Author
Another excellent course by Lynn Fountain - interesting, informative & well written.

5
Anonymous Author
I enjoy your classes I always pick yours over other instructors. Good job!

5
Anonymous Author
Informative way of interviewing about fraud. Thank you for this course.

5
Member's Profile
Good course and very well organize. Interesting course material

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational
No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to Forensic and Fraud Interviewing Skills and Techniques4:57
  Interviewing and It's Models12:33
  Studies6:00
  What Interview Style Should be Used17:32
  Motivational Interview7:10
  General Interview Techniques17:24
  Questions and Evidence11:48
  Analyzing Behavioral Signs16:10
  Analyzing Behavioral Signs Cont'd13:38
  Final Step and Summary4:36
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  Forensic and Fraud Interviewing Skills and Techniques1:51:48
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
  Slides: Forensic and Fraud Interviewing Skills and TechniquesPDF
  Forensic and Fraud Interviewing Skills and Techniques Glossary/ IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam