The Role of Forensic Accounting in Fraud Investigation and Litigation Support

Abstract:     
Forensic accounting is the specialty practice area of accounting that describes engagements that result from actual or anticipated dispute or litigation. It provides an accounting analysis that is sustainable to the court which will form the basis for discussion, debate and ultimately dispute resolution. While certainly ideal for court testimony, in broad terms, 'forensic', is about fact finding and interpretation. The increase in number of fraud and fraudulent activities in Nigeria and around the world has emphasized the need for forensic accounting. Engagements of forensic accountants on criminal matters typically arise as the aftermath of fraud. Fraud examination in forensic accounting is different from that of 'traditional accounting' because the forensic accountant has the intuitive ability to analyze fraud. The aim or this paper is to identify the role of forensic accounting in fraud investigations and litigation support and proffer suggestions that will, hopefully, bring to public awareness the importance of this area of accounting.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 9

Keywords: forensic accounting, fraud investigation, litigation support

Accepted Paper Series