Forensic Accountants, Forensic Accounting Certifications, and Due Diligence

Abstract:     
Previous research has established that some corporations that issue certifications in forensic accounting fail to disclose their legal status and the qualifications of their Officers and Board of Directors. Previous research also established that a significant number of forensic accountants have inaccurate beliefs about the legal status of the corporations and the qualifications their Officers and Directors. This study investigates whether forensic accountants exercised due diligence in investigating the corporations that issued their certifications prior to obtaining their certifications. The results of a survey show that forensic accountants failed to exercise due diligence in their investigation of the corporations that issued their certifications. The failure of forensic accounting corporations to disclose important information coupled with the failure of forensic accountants to exercise due diligence in investigating the corporations suggests there is a need for reform within the forensic accounting profession.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 22

Keywords: Forensic accountants, forensic accounting certifications, due diligence, forensic accounting corporations

JEL Classification: M40, M41, M42

Accepted Paper Series