About DFA

Turn numbers into evidence. Become a Forensic Accounting Professional.

WHAT IS THE DFA QUALIFICATION?

The Diploma in Forensic Accounting (DFA) is a professional qualification offered by the Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI Zimbabwe). It equips learners with specialised knowledge and practical skills in forensic accounting, fraud investigation, financial crime detection, cybercrime analysis, audit techniques, and litigation support.

The qualification addresses the growing need for professionals capable of combating economic crime across corporate, public, legal, and regulatory sectors. It also prepares graduates to produce investigative reports that meet judicial standards and to support law-enforcement, regulatory bodies, and business organisations.

The programme is delivered over 1½ years on block release, supported by rigorous examinations, practical exposure, and a supervised research project.

CORE COMPETENCIES YOU WILL BUILD

Upon completing the DFA Qualification, learners gain mastery in the following areas:

  1. Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination
  • Understanding fraud schemes, including skimming, larceny, billing schemes, payroll fraud, cheque tampering, and corruption.
  1. Forensic Investigation Skills
  • Conducting professional investigations, gathering admissible evidence, performing interviews, and writing comprehensive forensic reports.
  • Applying investigation frameworks, litigation support methods, surveillance approaches, digital evidence handling, and expert-witness principles.
  1. Financial Accounting & Analysis
  • Preparing, analysing, and interpreting financial statements.
  • Applying quantitative techniques, ratio analysis, costing, budgeting, and financial modelling.
  1. Cybercrime & Digital Forensics
  • Identifying and analysing cyber threats, internet fraud, malware, hacking patterns, data breaches, and digital financial crime.
  • Using IT tools for digital investigations, data extraction and analysis, and recovery of electronic evidence.
  1. Legal, Regulatory & Governance Competence
  • Understanding corporate law, contract law, insolvency, evidence law, and statutory requirements relevant to forensic examinations.
  • Applying ethical principles and complying with legal frameworks governing investigations and reporting.
  1. Research & Professional Communication
  • Designing and conducting professional research.
  • Presenting findings using analytical, statistical, and reporting standards required in forensic practice.

WHO SHOULD ENROL?

This qualification is ideal for individuals who aspire to work in fraud detection, financial crime investigation, corporate governance, or assurance environments, including:

  • Accountants & Auditors
  • Police Officers & Law-Enforcement Personnel
  • Investigators & Compliance Officers
  • Risk Management Practitioners
  • Banking & Financial Services Personnel
  • Legal and Corporate Governance Professionals
  • Anyone pursuing a career in forensic accounting or corporate fraud examination.

The DFA is also suitable for those wishing to broaden their expertise in financial forensics, cybercrime, and investigative methodologies.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

Applicants must hold one of the following:

  • IBAS Intermediate Diploma in Business and Accounting Studies, or
  • Any equivalent qualification accredited by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education,
  • A recognised university degree.

Special Entry

Applicants may be admitted if they have:

  • At least 5 O-Level passes including English and Mathematics (A–C), and
  • A minimum of three years of relevant commercial experience.

Additional Notes

  • Exemptions may be granted for recognised prior studies.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Programme Duration

  • 1½ years on block release plus supervised research project.
  • 2 Levels, each with 4 blocks (total of 8 blocks).

Each block = 16 days.

DFA Level 1 Modules

  1. Financial Accounting I
  2. Essentials of Cost Accounting
  3. Introduction to Forensic Accounting
  4. Quantitative Techniques
  5. Auditing
  6. Business and Corporate Law
  7. Concepts & Techniques of Fraud Examination
  8. Computer Operating Packages

DFA Level 2 Modules

  1. Zimbabwe Taxation
  2. Investigation Processes and Techniques
  3. Fundamental Principles of Financial Analysis
  4. Research Methods
  5. Forensic Auditing and Assurance
  6. Cyber Crime and Internet Fraud
  7. Financial Accounting II
  8. Research Project

FEES SUMMARY

Fee Item

Amount (USD)

Initial Registration Fee

$10

Fees for Entire Diploma

$2,780

Exemption Fee per subject

$150

Research Project Supervision

$195

Additional costs include retake fees and readmission fees as per the official schedule.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the DFA Qualification become highly sought-after professionals capable of working across both public and private sectors. Career pathways include:

  1. Forensic Accounting Roles
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Certified Forensic Examiner
  • Financial Crime Investigator
  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Specialist
  1. Audit & Compliance Positions
  • Internal Auditor
  • Compliance Officer
  • Risk and Fraud Analyst
  • Governance and Assurance Officer
  1. Law-Enforcement & Regulatory Careers
  • Police Fraud Investigator
  • Cybercrime Analyst
  • Investigation Officer (ZACC, ZIMRA, RBZ, FIU, etc.)
  1. Corporate & Financial Sector Positions
  • Corporate Governance Specialist
  • Fraud Risk Manager
  • Financial Reporting Analyst
  • Consultant in litigation support, tax investigations, or insolvency matters

The qualification also builds a foundation for postgraduate studies in forensic accounting and related fields.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

Upon completing the DFA Qualification, graduates may:

  • Apply for Affiliate Membership with CGI Zimbabwe.
  • Register for the Master’s Degree in Forensic Accounting at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).

These recognitions enhance professional credibility, support career advancement, and integrate graduates into Zimbabwe’s regulated accounting and governance ecosystem.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Download the Registration Form – [Click to Download]
  2. Attach the following documents:
    • Copy of National ID
    • Certified copies of academic certificates & transcripts
    • Two passport-size photos
    • Proof of $10 registration payment
  3. Submit Application to:
    📧 registration@cgizim.org

Your Future Starts Here.

You are investing in a program that not only enhances your career prospects but also equips you with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the business world. 

Learn More