Forensic Accounting

u Forensic accounting is a special practice of accounting where a financial professional, known as a forensic accountant, audits and investigates information and prepares it to be used in court

u  Forensic accounting uses accounting and investigative methods to evaluate potential financial crimes.

u  Forensic accountants specialize in tracing funds, uncovering assets and explaining financial situations.

u  Forensic accounting is used in a variety of circumstances, including court cases, criminal investigations, embezzlement and insurance fraud.

Who uses forensic accounting?

Forensic accounting is used by law enforcement agencies, government agencies, independent adjustment firms, insurance companies, banks and businesses of all sizes. Large accounting firms often have their own forensic accounting department, while other firms are entirely dedicated to providing forensic accounting services.

Definition: 

“The application of investigative and analytical skills for the purpose of resolving financial issues in a manner that meets standards required by court of law. Forensic accounts apply special skill in accounting, auditing, finance, certain areas of laws, research and investigative skills to collect, analyze and evaluate evidential matter and to interpret and communicate.” 

How Forensic Accounting is used?

Forensic accounting is used in circumstances where deeper analysis is required

     Litigation support

Forensic accounting is used in litigation when the total value of someone's losses needs to be determined. The court system may use a forensic accountant to help resolve disputes over settlements by having a forensic accountant quantify the damages the plaintiff sustained. They may even be asked to testify as an expert witness regarding the total losses the plaintiff sustained to help the court determine a fair settlement in a case.

 Criminal investigations

Forensic accounting is commonly used by law enforcement in criminal investigations. A forensic accountant can help discover whether a crime occurred and if criminal intent was likely. Some examples are securities fraud, money laundering, identify theft, insurance fraud, employee theft or falsification of financial statement information.

 Insurance

Forensic accounting is often used to help with insurance claims. For example, a forensic accountant may be asked to determine the total damages that resulted from a car accident, medical malpractice claim or another type of case.

 Objectives of Forensic Accounting

u To look the  unusual development in the accounting and financial system

u To perform audit type process on a routine schedule in order to reduce transaction processing risk

u To asses working transactions for compliance with basic operating process and agreement

u To perform through scrutiny and examination of financial payments dealing in accounting system to decide if they are according to standard or beyond company policy

u To asses standard ledger and financial reporting system for likely unlawful tempering or falsification of information or accounts

u To assess the economic damage and insuring insurance demand that arises from catastrophes such as fire or other natural setbacks

u To asses business rating in consolidation and accomplishment

u The main objectives of forensic accounting are to provide evidence that financial fraud has taken place, and present the results of an investigation in such a way that it can withstand cross-examination in court. On top of proving whether irregularities have occurred, the practice also seeks to identify those involved so legal action can be taken against them.

u With so much at stake, it is essential that an investigation does the following:

u Prove that a business or individual has suffered financial loss

u Identify the perpetrators of said fraud 

u Establish the motives and methods used by the fraudsters

u Prove beyond reasonable doubt the involvement of the alleged perpetrators

Need of Forensic Accounting

u Fraud investigation

u Valuation of business during sale

u Conflicts between shareholders or partners

u Brokerage fraud

u Commercial insurance claim

u Merger and acquisition

u Injury claim

u Class action litigation

u Criminal cases

u Contract claims

u Money Laundering