MFAcc 2025 » Maryam Mahamud
Maryam Mahamud is a recipient of the 2024-2025 MFAcc Fellowship. The MFAcc Fellowship is awarded to students who have demonstrated high academic standing, displayed effective leadership skills, and have financial need.
Maryam is a passionate and driven individual who thrives on embracing opportunities to achieve her career aspirations. Having immigrated to Canada a decade ago as a first-generation student, she pursued her long-standing interests in business and accounting. Her professional and academic experiences deepened her passion for accounting and investigative work, leading her to enroll in the Master of Forensic Accounting (MFAcc) program. Now in her second year, Maryam is honing the advanced skills needed for a career in forensic accounting, with plans to obtain her CPA designation and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential.
Maryam completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Accounting, from Carleton University in 2019. She is currently an Excise Tax Auditor with the Canada Revenue Agency. After graduating from the MFAcc program, Mayram hopes to make a meaningful impact in combating financial crimes globally, helping to safeguard the integrity of financial systems.
It was an incredible honor to be selected as a recipient of the MFAcc Fellowship. Being part of the MFAcc program itself is a privilege, and the financial support provided by this award has eased the burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my academic and professional aspirations. Personally, it affirmed that the hard work I've put into the program has been worthwhile and motivated me to continue striving for excellence in order to honor the donors who made this award possible. I am deeply grateful to everyone involved in granting me this tuition support, and I truly appreciate all the encouragement and assistance I’ve received throughout my journey. — Maryam Mahamud
What initially sparked your interest in forensic accounting, and how did you decide to pursue it at the University of Toronto?
My passion for working with numbers and solving problems naturally led me to pursue accounting straight out of high school. Forensic accounting was first introduced to me by my high school accounting teacher, who proudly shared the incredible and meaningful work he had done as a forensic accountant. While I didn’t think much of it at the time, my interest was reignited during my second year of university when my law professor discussed the intersection of law and business. This inspired me to combine my passion for numbers with my love for problem-solving.
Further exposure to the field came during my first audit position through the Carleton Cooperative Education program. This role introduced me to technical competencies in financial reporting, audit, and assurance and solidified my interest in investigative work and solving complex cases. These experiences motivated me to pursue the prestigious Master of Forensic Accounting (MFAcc) program at the University of Toronto.
The MFAcc program at the University of Toronto was the perfect match for my career aspirations. It offered the opportunity to study at a reputable institution while continuing to work and pursue my studies from the comfort of my home city without needing to relocate. The hands-on experience I gained during my co-op placement further strengthened my desire to specialize in forensic accounting. I discovered how much I enjoyed conducting detailed investigations and uncovering critical insights.
The MFAcc program, with its highly qualified faculty and comprehensive curriculum, equips students with advanced skills and technical expertise essential for excelling in forensic accounting. Completing this program will prepare me for diverse professional roles and serve as a significant milestone in achieving my career goals.
Can you tell us about your background before entering MFAcc? What experiences or achievements do you think best prepared you for the challenges in MFAcc?
Before joining the MFAcc program, I earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Accounting, from Carleton University. The rigorous and comprehensive nature of Carleton’s accounting program, coupled with its demanding coursework, provided a strong foundation that prepared me for the challenges of this program.
In addition, my professional roles especially my current and recent role as an Excise Tax Auditor with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has been a transformative learning experience. It allowed me to thoroughly analyze and examine cases in detail while honing my investigative and analytical skills. I was also able to apply transferable skills gained from both my academic studies and professional experience, further equipping me for success in the MFAcc program.
Forensic accounting can be a unique and niche field. What aspects of the MFAcc program stood out to you the most?
The highly qualified and dedicated faculty in the MFAcc program, along with the university's strong reputation, are key factors that stood out to me. The expertise of these faculty members would enable me to develop the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to excel in forensic accounting. Completing this program would also provide me with the technical competencies required for career development and advancement, laying the foundation for a range of professional roles. Additionally, the MFAcc program would be a significant milestone in my career, and with the CPA designation in the near future, I will be well-positioned to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF).
With your first-year of the MFAcc program completed, how has your experience been so far?
Initially, the biggest challenge was balancing full-time work, personal life, and the demands of the program while striving to excel in my studies. However, I’ve learned to prioritize effectively and manage my time wisely. Another unexpected challenge was coordinating meeting times for group assignments, given the significant time differences among our team members in the group.
Despite this, we’ve successfully adapted by establishing clear communication channels and fostering a supportive and friendly learning environment. Through collaboration, we’ve managed to find optimal times to meet, ensuring that everyone can contribute meaningfully to our group assignments. This experience has underscored the importance of communication, teamwork, and collaboration, which are essential for success in a program like this, where much of the work relies on group effort
The MFAcc Class of 2025 brings together a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds, which is evident in class discussions and group assignments. Everyone contributes unique expertise and perspectives shaped by their experiences in various industries, cities, and countries. This collaborative environment fosters knowledge-sharing and enriches our learning experience. At the same time, the high caliber of students creates a healthy level of competition, motivating us to excel and learn from one another.
Can you walk us through a particularly memorable course you have taken?
One particularly memorable course was IFA 1906: Money Laundering, Asset Tracing & Recovery, and International Aspects of Fraud. Professor Daniel Tourangeau’s engaging delivery kept me fully captivated throughout. Before this course, my understanding of forensic accounting was mostly shaped by the phrase often used in crime shows: “trace the money.” This course expanded that perspective, introducing me to asset recovery, international fraud investigations, legal tools, and tracing methods in the context of money laundering.
Another standout was IFA 2905H: Advanced Forensic Investigation & Psychological Aspects of White-Collar Crime. This course provided fascinating insights into the psychology of fraudsters, helping us understand their motivations and behaviors. Professor Nathan Innocente emphasized the importance of building a narrative about why and how individuals commit fraud, highlighting how understanding their psychology and character traits is essential for effective investigations. The experience felt like stepping into the role of a criminal profiler, similar to Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds, which made the course even more engaging and interesting.
How do you see the forensic accounting field evolving in the next few years, and what role do you hope to play in it?
As financial crimes continue to increase in complexity and frequency, the demand for forensic accountants will grow as well. With advancements in technology and the expanding global financial landscape, the ability to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes will become more critical. Forensic accountants will be pivotal in identifying discrepancies, uncovering fraudulent activities, and ensuring accountability. As I complete my degree, I hope to play a significant role in this evolution, contributing my expertise to detect and mitigate financial crimes. My classmates and I, with our specialized training, will be at the forefront of this shift, utilizing advanced tools and methodologies to address the challenges of a rapidly changing financial environment.
Upon graduation, I aim to make a significant and lasting impact in the fight against financial crimes, both nationally and globally. Equipped with the necessary credentials, knowledge, and professional experience, my goal is to take an active role in uncovering financial misconduct and working alongside legal teams and organizations to ensure justice is served. This will involve not only investigating financial fraud but also advising on best practices to prevent such crimes in the future. The MFAcc program has been instrumental in providing me with a solid foundation in forensic accounting, while the MFAcc Fellowship has alleviated financial stress, allowing me to dedicate my full attention to academic and professional growth. Together, these experiences have given me the confidence to pursue my career goals with conviction and determination.