What is Forensic Accounting ?

The integration of accounting, auditing and investigative skills yields the specialty known as Forensic Accounting.

“Forensic Accounting”, provides an accounting analysis that is suitable to the court which will form the basis for discussion, debate and ultimately dispute resolution.

Forensic Accounting encompasses both litigation support and investigative accounting.

As Forensic Accountants, we utilize accounting, auditing and investigative skills when conducting an investigation.  Equally critical is our ability to respond immediately and to communicate financial information clearly and concisely in a courtroom setting.

Forensic Accountants are trained to look beyond the numbers and deal with the business reality of the situation. A traditional accountant or a CPA are usually not qualified to serve in a court as the forensic accountant. So when choosing the person you want for litigation you should highly consider a forensic accountant such as Mospens & Associates Inc.

Other Terminology

Forensic Investigation

The utilization of specialized investigative skills in carrying out an inquiry conducted in such a manner that the outcome will have application to a court of law.  A Forensic Investigation may be grounded in accounting, medicine, engineering or some other discipline.

Forensic Audit

An examination of evidence regarding an assertion to determine its correspondence to established criteria carried out in a manner suitable to the court.  An example would be a Forensic Audit of sales records to determine the quantum of rent owing under a lease agreement, which is the subject of litigation.

Internal Audit

An audit performed by an employee who examines operational evidence to determine whether prescribed operating procedures have been followed.

External Audit

An audit performed by an auditor engaged in public practice leading to the expression of a professional opinion which lends credibility to the assertion under examination.

A Forensic Accountant is often retained to analyze, interpret, summarize and present complex financial and business related issues in a manner which is both understandable and properly supported.

Forensic Accountants can be engaged in public practice or employed by insurance companies, banks, police forces, government agencies and other organizations.

A Forensic Accountant is often involved in the following:

• Investigating and analyzing financial evidence;

• Developing computerized applications to assist in the analysis and presentation of financial evidence;

• Communicating their findings in the form of reports, exhibits and collections of documents; and

• Assisting in legal proceedings, including testifying in court as an expert witness and preparing visual aids to support trial evidence.

In order to properly perform these services a Forensic Accountant must be familiar with legal concepts and procedures.  In addition, a Forensic Accountant must be able to identify substance over form when dealing with an issue.