Using Alteryx to Decode Unstructured General Ledger for Forensic Accounting Analysis

This workshop addresses a gap in the accounting education landscape by equipping undergraduate accountancy students and faculty with the essential skills needed to handle big data and transform unstructured data such as General Ledger (GL) into a structured, analyzable format conducive to forensic accounting analysis. Leveraging the capabilities of Alteryx Designer an Intelligence Suite, this Session, spanning 100 minutes, offers a hands-on approach to prepare GL data in a ready format for analysis including forensic accounting in the digital age.

Forensic accounting, a field at the intersection of accounting, law, and investigative techniques, necessitates not only a keen analytical mind but also proficiency in data analytics tools. This session underscores the importance of such tools by guiding participants through the intricacies of cleansing and structuring legacy GL data from enterprise resource planning systems, which are notorious for their unstructured outputs.

Participants will be introduced to strategies for identifying and rectifying common data anomalies—ranging from unorganized tables and improper column allocations to handling blank or null rows and identifying relevant fields. The workshop culminates in the application of accounting concepts, including forensic accounting techniques, to the newly structured data, including tests for completeness, journal entry testing, and anomaly detection, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of data preparation and transformation within an accounting context.

Furthermore, the session will prepare participants for real-world applications by employing a case study from a 2020 GL Detailed Report obtained during a raid.

This workshop not only enhances participants' technical proficiency in using Alteryx Designer but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the pivotal role of data analytics in modern accounting practices.