A Comparison of Forensic Accounting Corporations in the United States

Abstract

To call entities that issue certifications in forensic accounting “organizations” camouflages their true nature and results in misunderstanding what they really are. They are corporations. Recognizing them as corporations enables forensic accountants who hold their certifications to assess more realistically the costs and benefits of their certifications. A survey reveals that a significant number of forensic accountants believe it is important for forensic accounting corporations to have qualified officers and directors. There are also a significant number who mistakenly believe that the forensic accounting corporations that issued their certifications have qualified officers and directors. However, several forensic accounting corporations do not have qualified officers and directors. Forensic accountants also believe forensic accounting corporations have a duty to disclose the qualifications of their officers and directors but several do not disclose the qualifications of their officers and directors which violates their Codes of Ethics. This paper presents for the first time an in-depth comparison of forensic accounting corporations, their corporate history and the qualifications of their corporate directors and officers. The paper concludes with a recommendation for an independent agency to be established to oversee and accredit forensic accounting corporations. As a matter of public policy regulators cannot let this situation continue unabated. If an independent agency cannot be established, then, as a matter of public policy, states should enact statutes or adopt regulations to regulate forensic accounting corporations.

Keywords: forensic accounting, certification, forensic accounting corporations

JEL Classification: G18, G38, J44, K14, K22, K42, L84, L86, M41