Shaping the future of forensic accounting: Daniel Tourangeau of the Ontario Securities Commission appointed as MFAcc Program Director
For Daniel Tourangeau, becoming director of IMI’s Master of Forensic Accounting (MFAcc) program is “quite frankly, a dream come true.” As an alumnus who began teaching in the program in 2018, he has remained continuously involved from the moment he graduated in 2009. He now brings both his professional experience and connection with the program into this leadership position.
Tourangeau began his career in insurance fraud detection and prevention before joining the Enforcement Division of the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) in 2019, where he currently works full-time to help maintain the integrity of financial markets in Ontario. His work has contributed to several high-profile investigations, one of which was turned into the Netflix documentary, Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King. Through conducting interviews and analyzing financial information, his goal is to present financial matters simply: “The most challenging part of forensic accounting work is to present complex transactions in a way that everyone can understand.”
His investigative work has shaped his perspective on the program’s unique structure and purpose. Students are trained to “understand why people commit fraud,” applying their investigative and forensic accounting skills in various areas and industries. This mindset is combined with rigorous technical training and hands-on learning in small classes, including a capstone project where students testify in a mock trial. By staying up to date with the latest tools and technologies, students can adapt to fraudsters’ changing techniques. “Technology is one thing, but I’m never fazed by it. After all, there’s nothing new about Ponzi schemes and misappropriation of investors' funds — greed always stays the same.”
To incoming MFAcc students, Tourangeau’s advice is to stay curious and trust your instincts. He encourages young, emerging professionals to commit wholeheartedly to their goals. “You have to dream and pursue those dreams! It will be challenging, absolutely, but I would not choose any other career and I want to share, through teaching, my passion for forensic accounting.”
Tourangeau plans to direct the program and lead with kindness, respect, and integrity. “Lead by example, treat people how you want to be treated, and do what you say you’re going to do.” Given his current work at the OSC, he will bring fresh, real-world insight into the program and classroom – connecting theory to practice and preparing students to tackle the ever-evolving puzzle of financial fraud with confidence and clarity.
Learn more about the Master of Forensic Accounting program by visiting the MFAcc website.
Read about more IMI news & exciting accomplishments in IMI Inspires.
