Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Date of Graduation
Spring 2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Department
School of Accounting
Advisor(s)
Timothy Louwers
Luis Bentancourt
Eileen Shifflett
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to spread awareness and confer recognition upon a mostly forgotten individual: Mr. Frank John Wilson, who was quintessential in the development of techniques used in the field of forensic accounting today. An in-depth analysis into Wilson’s early years as an investigator as well as two of his most significant cases, Al Capone and the Lindbergh Baby kidnapper, will demonstrate the techniques he pioneered. Within the framework of these cases, the techniques utilize exemplify the accounting, auditing, and investigative skills required in the forensic accounting field. Specifically, these investigations showcase Wilson’s innovative and unprecedented approaches to financial vouching and tracing, use of handwriting analysis, as well as superior investigative due diligence. Wilson dedicated his life to protecting the American people, taking down some of the most infamous and dangerous individuals in United States’ history. Yet, his name is universally unacknowledged and unappreciated. The field of forensic accounting is one bound by honor and integrity, and it is important to acknowledge where these values come from. Wilson’s story serves as the foundation of forensic accounting and is not one that should be forgotten.
Recommended Citation
Catania, Luke, "Frank J. Wilson: The father of forensic accounting" (2018). Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019. 612.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors201019/612
