SOP Sample for MSc Forensic Accounting in the UK

"Destiny gave me only two things: a few accounting books and the gift of dreaming." – Fernando Pessoa

I read somewhere that a person is either blessed or doomed to be an accountant but for me, it's way too complicated than that. Having a strong inclination towards understanding the application of using forensic investigation skills, especially in a business environment to help to solve white-collar crimes, has piqued my interest to pursue Forensic Accounting. My decision to get an MSc in Forensic Accounting, at this point in my career, is precisely based on the question "Where I would be in the next 5 years?". That is to work as a Forensic Accountant, by using my 'detail-oriented' skill to identify any financial irregularities in a major corporation/public service. Thus ensuring justice and bring criminals to account.

I have learnt that the best way to achieve a long-term goal is to break them into short-term goals. My short-term goal is to complete my PG degree in Forensic Accounting and then gain experience and develop skills to prevent financial fraud in a firm. My long-term goal would be to get a job in a government agency for a secure, well paid and rewarding career.

To be a Forensic Accountant, one of the key skills required is the ability to communicate well and build a good relationship with people, and I believe that volunteering in my Parish youth committee has helped me develop this skill. While volunteering I have worked with people of different age groups and occupations which has instilled in me problem-solving skills too. At school, I have participated in several extramural activities such as JRC, environmental groups, or more which enhanced my skills of planning, being punctual, leadership, working in a team, and prioritising the tasks. Critical thinking and an inquisitive mind, are some of the qualities that developed during my academic journey till yet, which often makes me question reality, to seek the truth.

Talking about my educational background, I completed my secondary education from [HIGH SCHOOL NAME] with an aggregate of 76% and senior secondary education from [SECONDARY SCHOOL NAME] with 61%, both under the same Goa State Board. After my intermediate studies, I got enrolled in a three years integrated programme to pursue BSc in Biotechnology from [UNIVERSITY NAME]. The reason behind opting for Biotechnology as my major was the financial constraints my family was facing as opting for forensic science in a different state could have been expensive at that time. Though, during my graduation, I actively participated in several events and was a core member of the college's departmental club, i.e., '[CLUB NAME].' As I progressed, I was selected as the Treasurer of the club in the latter year of college.

In addition to this, I was equally inclined towards my education and was able to complete an academic project profoundly on the 'Production of Value Added Products.' The project got published in the '[JOURNAL NAME]' in 2018. The project focuses on the production of value-added products from nutritionally rich under-utilised ingredients like soybean and millets. Value-added products from the less explored minor millets such as Finger, Foxtail and Pearl millet were prepared to investigate their health benefits and to be an alternative to cereals. The research work was pursued to explore the inherent technological opportunities for better utilisation of these resources in designing value-added and sustainable foods in different sectors of food industries in India. This work aimed to popularise the value of soybeans and millets by developing value-added products from soybean and selected millets.

Soon after the completion of my graduation, I enrolled myself in MSc in Forensic Science from [UNIVERSITY NAME]. During the masters, my favourite subjects were Fingerprint and Serology. Marching ahead, I chose "Detection of Food Adulterants in Milk and Milk Products" as my dissertation topic. Milk is a complex food that contains vital nutrients which play a key role in human development. Milk is easily adulterated throughout the world. Some of the reasons could be the demand and supply gap, the perishable nature of milk, or the lack of suitable detection tests. The study aimed to detect adulteration, by selecting a few places along the coast of South Goa from where food samples like milk, curd and clarified butter were collected. Qualitative tests were carried out to detect adulterants in the collected samples. The study clearly brought up the fact that goods from local vendors had adulterated samples. This project helped to enhance my statistical analysis skill.

Fortunately, I was able to undergo a 10 weeks internship in [LABORATORY NAME] i.e in Fingerprint and Serology Department. In the internship, I have gained fundamental knowledge of the procedures and techniques used to develop and analyse different fingerprints patterns. I have also acquired hands-on experience to use Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems. This practice has helped me to enhance my critical thinking skill. I have also performed microscopic and chemical analyses of bloodstain samples. Acquired knowledge about the procedures carried out to collect, label and preserve the evidence. Moreover, observing the upsurge demand for computer professionals in every field, I started working on upgrading my computer skills by opting for several online courses via which I have gained knowledge and also practiced HTML & the basics of C programming. For now, I'm trying to learn the basics of Finance and Fraud detection techniques. Throughout my education journey, I have acquired qualities like leadership, hard work, patience & time management.

Thereafter, due to the pandemic situation and my parents' fear of letting me go out, I had to face the gap year in my journey. In my leisure time, I like to do a little bit of gardening or play the keyboard for community events. It has helped me to collaborate with other people effectively. Playing an instrument not only encourages analytical reasoning but teaches patience, perseverance and the ability to multitask. Besides, I also volunteer for the local village club to carry out cleanliness/beach clean drives every alternate week. I sometimes indulged myself in reading books.

As I take my trajectory a level further, I envision the later years of my life to be more rewarding, gaining considerable exposure in my clouds of interest. In order to achieve what I envisage, I need to solidify my passion by way of a formal degree. After running thorough research of the options that best fit my interests, a master degree in Forensic Accounting is an ideal choice from [UNIVERSITY NAME]. Intelligently designed as per the latest industry trends, the program encompasses a perfect amalgam of theory and practice with respect to the disciplines offered. I am excited to delve into the intricacies of modules such as Economic Damages, Securities Fraud, Corporate Valuation Disputes, Tax Evasions or Fraud, and M&A Related Lawsuits. For me to be adept in my chosen field, there isn't a better platform than [UNIVERSITY NAME], UK. I am eager to work under the guidance of erudite faculty housed by the university. With state-of-the-art resources at my disposal. Also, I am looking forward to being an active part of various clubs at the university, thus building my profile.

Post the successful completion of the course, I intend to apply the learnings assimilated as I work for one of the most reputed countries back in my home country. Being the only child in the family, I am shouldered with responsibilities and expectations that I enjoy working upon, to be able to set a good example and make my parents proud. At the college, I intend to grasp every bit of knowledge being imparted to me, while also incorporating my skills and experience gained so far to contribute meaningfully to the campus.