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Forensic Accountant job description

A Forensic Accountant is a professional who collects and analyzes financial evidence for use in court. They may also be tasked with developing computer programs that help manage this information, as well as creating visual aids (such charts or graphs) necessary during trials where it's needed to support trial proceedings.

Forensic Accountant responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing financial documents to identify inaccuracies
  • Analyzing financial data and tracing discrepancies
  • Forecasting and preventing financial frauds

forensic accountant job description

Job brief

We are looking for a Forensic Accountant to audit our financial records for discrepancies and inaccuracies.

Your main responsibilities include performing forensic research on, and analysis of, our company’s financial data to identify potential fraud and/or business revenue loss. To be successful in this role, you should combine keen investigative skills with knowledge of accounting procedures. You should also be able to organize financial evidence into detailed reports that will be helpful to attorneys and law officials.

Ultimately, you should develop risk reduction and fraud prevention procedures to ensure accurate financial management for our company.

Responsibilities

  • Review financial documents to identify inaccuracies
  • Analyze financial data and trace discrepancies
  • Forecast and prevent financial frauds
  • Report on revenue losses and damages from contract breaches
  • Investigate complex business cases to minimize risk
  • Provide litigation support and present findings to be used as trial evidence
  • Perform regular financial record audits to ensure compliance with the law
  • Ensure all accounting procedures follow legislation
  • Keep organized files of all legal cases
  • Attend court, when needed

Requirements and skills

  • Proven work experience as a Forensic Accountant, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or relevant role
  • Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Experience with accounting and financial procedures
  • Understanding of forensic auditing procedures
  • Familiarity with accounting software and spreadsheets
  • Strong investigative and analytical skills
  • Excellent numeracy skills with an ability to spot inaccuracies
  • The ability to handle confidential information
  • BSc degree in Accounting or Finance, preferably with a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification
  • Additional qualification in Economic Crime Investigation or Law Enforcement will be a plus

Frequently asked questions

What does a Forensic Accountant do?

Forensic Accountants assess losses and potential damage awards and apply tax law knowledge to financial statements for litigation support purposes or as part of an investigation team where it could be potentially harmful. Many people rely on these professionals who have access to both sides: those working inside firms (the 'client base') and investigating agencies outside interested parties such as court systems.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a Forensic Accountant?

Forensic Accountants have a very important role to play in the investigation and uncovering of financial evidence. They are responsible for building applications that streamline this process, determining values on assets (such as cash or real estate), and writing reports about findings from their analysis which can help other professionals make better decisions.

What makes a good Forensic Accountant?

The Forensic Accountant’s work demands attention to detail. It's not enough just to analyze financial data. But to be successful, they must notice subtle patterns or abnormalities in it as well.

Who does a Forensic Accountant work with?

Forensic Accountants spend time communicating to business owners, law enforcement, or other employers about the evidence they have found. They also work with a Fraud Investigator, who helps analyze the overall fact pattern of the claim and synthesize data.

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