Forensic accounting definition
/What is Forensic Accounting?
Forensic accounting is the examination of financial records that will lead to or result from litigation. The results of a forensic accounting investigation can be used as evidence in court, and so are usually heavily documented. There are a number of areas in which a person can use forensic accounting skills, including the following:
Calculation of economic damages. This calculation is needed when a plaintiff needs to justify an amount for which it seeks redress from a defendant.
Calculation of the value of a business
Detection of fraud. A business may request this service in order to prove a case against an employee or an outsider who has stolen assets from the firm.
Insolvency legal support
Investigation of computerized accounting records (known as forensic analytics). This activity requires the accountant to review large data sets in order to spot anomalies, typically as part of a fraud investigation.
Money laundering investigations
Professional negligence claims
Reconstruction of accounting records (usually for insurance claims)
Royalty audits
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Forensic Accountant Requirements
A person engaged in forensic accounting should have a considerable knowledge of accounting and auditing, which is used to dig through or reconstruct the accounting records of an organization. Special skills required for a forensic accountant include the following:
Ability to speak in court as an expert witness
Knowledge of all types of asset misappropriation fraud
Knowledge of rules of evidence
Knowledge of auditing techniques, both for corporate and government institutions
Ability to search through accounting records
Certifications are available for forensic accountants. These certifications are typically in addition to the CPA certification.
Larger auditing firms usually employ forensic accountants within special forensic accounting business groups, as do insurance companies, banks, and government agencies. These individuals may be dispatched on projects worldwide. Given their travel arrangements, these accountants are more similar to consultants than auditors, who are less likely to travel on a regular basis.
Terms Similar to Forensic Accounting
A forensic accountant is also known as an investigative auditor.