...------------------------------------------------- Fraud and forensic accounting in small business’ Tasha S. Barnes ------------------------------------------------- Fraud and forensic accounting in small business’ Tasha S. Barnes Accounting fraud is serious issues for all businesses, but they are especially challenging for small companies that are “cash strapped”. Fraud undermine decision making, lead to financial losses and, in some cases, even force companies to lay off staff or shut their doors. Fraud is a common problem for small businesses. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), 30 percent of all fraud occurs in small companies. That is a disturbing fact considering that the estimated fraud loses for business of all sizes was nearly $2.9 trillion in 2009. Fraud occurs so frequently in small business for a couple of reasons. A common reason is that small companies typically have small or even single-person accounting staffs and limited internal controls; lack of separation of duty. It is typical to have the accountant also be the office manager and receiving clerk. Problems can arise if for no other reason than on one double checks the work. Besides being more susceptible to errors and fraud, small businesses also are less likely to discover them because financial audits are almost never performed. It seems, as though a new scam comes to light every day, with electronic-media inspired frauds such as phishing and spoofing, joining old, low-tech fraud themes. The...
Words: 1750 - Pages: 7
...White-collar crime is considered a special breed in the criminal justice system because there’s a long history of perceived leniency for these criminals. One of the main reason is the hallmark of the criminal justice system in the United States is discretion. For example, under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, if you robbed a bank and took $5,000 your sentence would probably about three times as long as someone who embezzled $1,000,000 from the same bank. Who is supposed to be more socially responsible in that situation, the poorly educated robber or the well-educated white-collar criminal? In fact, white-collar crime always has a massive economic impact to the whole society compared with violent crime at most times. Another big argument I identify from the President example in the textbook is that many people do believe a large portion of white-collar crime is unintentional. But I prefer to agree on the sentence “You never know anyone’s intentions” said by Ronald Reagan. Violent criminals are easy to be prosecuted and put them behind jail, because they actually caused physical damages to human health and safety, however white-collar criminals have more resources including good lawyers, social reputation and power. As a result, only a portion of all white collar crimes are actually prosecuted, most of them are left up to the lawyers to handle. Therefore, I feel that there should be an equal treatment between those who commit a white-collar crime and those who commit any other...
Words: 258 - Pages: 2
...Submission of Research paper as a part of curricular activity. Forensic Accounting: A new dynamic approach to investigate fraud. SUBMITTED BY: Aniket Desai (12BBL016) Alakananda Duggirala (12BBL016) Rut Shah (12BBL051) SUBMITTED TO: Dr. Pranav Saraswat For the academic session July to December 2014 1 PREFACE This research project is carried out as a part of curricular activity for the course of Financial Audit, in semester V for the programme B.com LLB (Hons.). We have tried our best to do justice with the project and put it in black and white the research we've done in the last three months. Regards, Aniket Desai Alakananda Duggirala Rut Shah Date: 2th November, 2014 _______________________________ Signature of the researchers. 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr (Mr.) Pranav Saraswat, the faculty for the course of Financial Audit, for his constant guidance and support which helped us to conceive this research project. It is also my duty to record my thankfulness to Dr. Atul Bhatt, the librarian of the Institute of law, Nirma University for keeping handy useful resources which helped me collect information and datas which was very important for my doctrinal research work. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friends and colleagues for the support whenever required. Regards, Aniket Desai Alakananda Duggirala Rut Shah 3 DECLARATION We hereby declare that this piece of written work...
Words: 3424 - Pages: 14
...A Project Report On “Forensic Accounting And Auditing” Submitted By Durvesh S. Naik Roll No: - 6025 MCOM PART-II (Advanced Accountancy) 2014-15 MULUND COLLEGE OF COMMERCE SAROJINI NAIDU ROAD, MULUND (W.) MUMBAI-80 SUBMITTED TO UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI ACADEMIC YEAR 2014-15 DECLARATION I Durvesh Naik student of Mulund College of Commerce, S. N. Road, Mulund (W.) Mumbai – 80 of Mcom Part II (Advanced Accounting) Seat no: - 6025, hereby declare that I have completed the project on the title “Forensic Accounting and Auditing” during the academic year 2014-15. The information submitted is true and best of my knowledge and belief. Date of submission: - Signature Place:- Parle Tilak Vidyalaya Association's MULUND COLLEGE OF COMMERCE Sarojini Naidu Road, Mulund West, Mumbai 400080. Certificate This is to certify that Mr. __________________________________________________________ Of Mcom. Part II (Advanced Accountancy) Semester _______ has undertaken completed the project work titled _________________________ ______________________________ during the academic year __________ under the guidance of Prof. ______________________________________. Submitted on _________________ to this college on the fulfillment of the curriculum of Mcom (Advanced Accountancy) University of Mumbai. This is a bonafide project work & the information presented is true/ and original to the best of our knowledge...
Words: 8287 - Pages: 34
...FORENSIC AUDITING As stated by Gordon Brown, the former Prime Mister of the United Kingdom, “what the use of fingerprints was to the 19th century and DNA analysis was to the 20th century, forensic accounting will be to the 21st century”. When people first see the word “forensic”, they naturally categorize it into a science-related field. According to Webster’s Dictionary, the term “forensic” is defined as “belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussions and debate”. Therefore, forensic accounting is generally defined as relating and applying financial facts to legal problems (Singleton and Singleton 12). Forensic accounting consists of a combination of the techniques that are used in accounting, auditing, and investigative work. The focus of this paper is on the concept of forensic auditing; however, forensic auditing cannot be fully understood without incorporating all of the facts about forensic accounting. Most situations that involve forensic auditing will deal with proposed fraudulent activities, but there are some cases that may deal with non-fraudulent activities, such as settlements of monetary disputes (“Student Accountant”). Throughout this paper, we will discuss, in detail, the profession of forensic auditing and forensic accounting in relation to fraudulent activities. What is Forensic Auditing? Forensic auditing and financial auditing are not related in any way; rather, they have their own distinct objectives that are set...
Words: 3839 - Pages: 16
...There are fraudulent accounting procedures taking place in many businesses all across the world, and many companies have been going a number of years covering up the real financial value of their company. Forensic accountants are becoming much needed as accounting frauds, financial scams, and various economic scandals are beginning to increase globally. This type of accountant does more than the typical accountant of a business or corporation, because their objective is to investigate fraudulent activities being used in the accounting departments of these companies. The amount of fraud being used by companies globally is most likely going to increase in the future as technology is evolving and scammers are getting more creative. This will also lead to a gradual decrease in the investment rates in companies, because the risks of investing in a corrupt business world will outweigh the benefits. Potential investors in companies using creative accounting techniques will increasingly become more at risk if there is no exponential growth in the field of investigative accounting. Accounting scams are becoming a part of the normal occurrence of day to day activities as this type of fraudulent activity is frequently gaining exposure in the daily news worldwide. As owners and managers conceal the financial state of their companies by manipulating their financial statements, the reliability and trust of these statements by investors are decreasing. Illegal accounting procedures are not being...
Words: 1908 - Pages: 8
...Forensic Accounting & Auditing: A New Paradigm INTRODUCTION Thanks to the popularity of some criminal dramas, the word "forensic" might cause you to think about the process of working a crime scene. These investigators track down criminals using DNA samples, fingerprints, bloodstains, photos and other clues. So at first, you may wonder how the word "forensic" could ever be joined with the word "accounting." It's not as if you've seen accountants working with the other investigators at a crime scene. However, it really depends on the type of crime. “Auditor should be watchdog and not be the bloodhound”. It’s a good quote that every auditor should know. This quote makes the definition of forensic accountants even simpler. The forensic accountant is the bloodhound of Book keeping. External auditors look at the numbers but the forensic auditors look beyond the numbers. Only Forensic just means "relating to the application of scientific knowledge to a legal problem" or "usable in a court of law." Most of the crimes, such as homicides, investigated on a show like "CSI" are known as "crimes against the person." Forensic accounting is simply a specialty field within the broader arena of accounting. The types of crimes forensic accountants investigate are classified as "crimes against property." They investigate crimes such as fraud and give expert testimony in court trials. They also perform work related to civil disputes. Forensic accountants are also known as fraud investigators...
Words: 2890 - Pages: 12
...Importance of forensic accounting and fraud awareness in Malaysia As a result of recent, highly publicized financial scandals; reported increases in occupational fraud; and heightened concerns over money laundering to support terrorism and racketeering, legislative mandates and public expectations have heightened the necessity to hrther define the auditor's and accountant's responsibility for detecting fraud within organizations. Successful fraud or forensic accounting analyses and findings reported by practicing professionals may be the difference between whether perpetrators avoid detection of their illegal activities or they are brought to justice. In most cases, success is directly and primarily dependent upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the professionals performing the work. Consequently, the demand for entry-level professionals with formal education in fraud and forensic accounting has grown. Academic institutions and stakeholder organizations that provide education in these fields are faced with a number of questions regarding the nature, extent, and format of a worthwhile curriculum. A review of existing higher education institution offerings indicates that the number of courses available varies from a single class to programs of 4-10 different courses. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate level as majors, minors, tracks, or as nondegree "certificate" programs. Further, job opportunities and the student applicant pool are likely to vary...
Words: 4180 - Pages: 17
...Today’s Risk of Fraud: Forensic Accountants Help Protect Identity Theft Megan Laughman Financial Accounting Theory Michael Miller 4/7/15 Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the recent cyber breaches that have occurred within companies throughout the United States and to look at the different ways these cyber breaches could have been prevented. The research also examines the need for forensic accountants within the business field, as they are able to help protect a company’s credibility and reputation. The study looks at the different internal controls a forensic accountant can incorporate into a company to help prevent cyber breaches and fraud from taking place. The results of the research provide confirmation that forensic accountants are essential in every company in order to help prevent and detour cyber breaches and fraud. Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………4 Literature Review………………………………………………………………………………7 Data Analysis........................................................................................................................…...14 Results and Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………17 References………………………………………………………………………………………19 Today’s Risk of Fraud: Forensic Accountants Help Protect Identity Theft Introduction Technology today is more advanced than it ever has been and almost everyone this day and age owns a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Most Americans utilize their computers, tablets...
Words: 4916 - Pages: 20
...IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTING FORENSIC ACCOUNTING IN LISTED COMPANIES IN MALDIVES BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS AIHAM MOHAMED AHMED TP029473 Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 3 1.1 ITRODUCTION 3 1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 3 1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM. 4 1.4 RESEARCH OBEJCTIVES 5 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 6 1.6 SCOPE OF FEASILBILTY OF THE STUDY 7 1.6.1 SCOPE 7 1.6.2 FEASIBILITY OF THE STUDY 7 CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE REVIEW 8 2.1 DEFINITION OF FORENSIC ACCOUTING. 8 2.2 IMPORTANCE OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING IN LISTED COMPANIES IN MALDIVES. 9 2.2 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING HELPS TO ELIMINATE CORRUPTION. 10 2.3 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING INFLUENCES THE ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE 11 2.3 CURRENT SITUATION IN MALDIVES. 12 CHAPTER 3 – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 14 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 14 3.2 TYPES OF DATA 16 3.3 SAMPLING DESIGN 17 3.4 DATA ANALYSIS 17 3.5 HYPOTHESIS TESTING 18 4. CONCLUSION 19 REFERENCE 20 IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTING FORENSIC ACCOUNTING IN LISTED COMPANIES IN MALDIVES. CHAPTER 1 1.1 ITRODUCTION The main purpose for this research to be carried out is to investigate the importance of forensic accounting in the business world, and how important it is to implement a solid forensic accounting system in the listed companies in Maldives. This chapter provides an overview of the study that contains the background of the study, the statement of the problem, research objectives, significance of the study the limitations faced while doing the...
Words: 5253 - Pages: 22
... 05/19/2013 forensic accountant CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS forensic accountant CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS 125/19/20135/19/20135/19/2013 fraud busters In today’s world, it is knows by everyone that different developments were taken place in the last periods. Our globalized world in a state of continuous technological change and innovations has been challenged by new generation criminology risk factors. From business, government, regulatory authorities, and the courts evidence indicates that a higher level of expertise is necessary to analyze current financial transactions and events. Forensic accounting is a specialized area of an accounting practice that describes engagements which results from actual or anticipated disputes or litigations. Forensic accounting has been defined as accounting analyzers that can uncover possible fraud that is suitable for presentation in court. A Forensic accountant needs accounting, law, finance, investigative and research skills to identify and prevent fraud. Forensic accountant uses her/his knowledge of accounting, law, and criminology to uncover fraud, as well as gather any evidence and present it to the court....
Words: 2300 - Pages: 10
...Forensic Accounting in Practice Brittany Baskin Dr. John Theodore Contemporary Business November 18, 2012 When you think of the term forensics, what comes to mind? For younger readers CSI probably rings a bell, while the elder crowd would probably think of Quincy. Both TV shows glorified the acts of forensics in a medical sense. But a lesser-known form of forensics has been growing in use around the world. In light of recent accounting scandals throughout the world, investors and regulators have searched for various different methods to improve the safety of investors through more diligent accounting reporting practices. Until recently, detecting fraud was thought to be a part of the responsibility of the accountant. Fraud was something the internal or external auditors were expected to guard against by their periodic audits. We now know that auditors can only check for compliance of a company’s books to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAPs) and to company policy; therefore, a new category of accounting had to be established, one which revealed the fraud for companies with suspected fraudulent transactions. This new area of accounting is known as forensic accounting. To fully understand the definition of forensic accounting, we can use parts of the definition of forensic medicine and accounting, both taken from Webster’s Dictionary, to produce a clear definition. Forensic medicine is a “science that deals with the relation and application...
Words: 1625 - Pages: 7
...skills that a forensic accountant needs to possess and evaluate the need for each skill. Be sure to include discussion regarding the relationship between the skill and its application to business operations. A study conducted by two professors from Rider College interviewed over 150 lawyers, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and accounting educators. The study identified sixteen skills needed by forensic accountants. According to the study, the five most important skills are analytical skills, basic accounting skills, problem solving skills, data analysis skills and interviewing skills (McMullen & Sanchez, 2010). Forensic accountants need analytical skills because as they review financial reports and other source documents, they need to analyze the validity of each transaction and determine if the company recorded the transaction fairly. The forensic accountant needs the ability to analyze where the data came from and whether the data accurately reflects the numbers posted in the financial reports (McIntosh, n.d.). With an in house forensic accountant, this will ensure the company’s financial state is accurately reflected while an independent forensic accountant can verify the accuracy of the reports, both of which help investors determine if the company is worth investing in. “Accounting is widely regarded as the language of business” (McMullen and Sanchez, 2010, pg.1). As such, the need for basic accounting skills is self-evident, for a forensic accountant to be...
Words: 1883 - Pages: 8
... Forensic accounting is often involved with accounting, analyzing financial evidence, auditing, and investigating legal and financial proceedings. This paper will examine the most important five skills that a forensic accountant needs to possess and evaluate the need for each skill, describe the role of a forensic accountant within a courtroom, analyze the legal responsibility of a forensic accountant has while providing service to a business, and research two cases where forensic accountants have provided vital evidence in a case. Caleb Newquist touches on the subject of new forensic accountants, “Prospective forensic accountants can count on making many enemies in the course of their work and must be unhinged by the retaliation that normally follows uncovering fraud and other misconduct” (p.1). Their job description comprises of a wide range of duties in which each case they work require different skills and different ideas to become successful. Question 1: Determine the most important five skills that a forensic accountant needs to possess and evaluate the need for each skill The most important five skills that a forensic accountant needs to possess are analytical, creativity, organization or detailed oriented, persistence, and investigative skills. According to Luanne Kelchner editor for eHow, “Forensic accountants must have an analytical personality to perform well in the job. According to the American Institute of CPAs, a group of lawyers, CPAs and forensic accountants...
Words: 1134 - Pages: 5
...Forensic Accounting in Practice Twana Bethea BUS 508 May 21, 2013 Dr. Phyllis Praise Abstract Forensic Accounting is the application of the skills and training of a chartered accountant to disputes and investigations. Fraud is usually hidden in the accounting systems of organizations and that’s where forensic accountants play a critical role. Forensic accountants are contacted by companies when they need to figure out where a fraud was committed in their company. The accountants interview witnesses, analyze evidence such as email traffic between all parties involved. They will also freeze bank accounts if needed. They are hired to find out what happen and who was involved. If the case goes to trial they can be called to testify. The key skill of the forensic accountant is communicating complex financial transaction or data in a concise manner using images, graphs and languages that can be easily understood by non-accountants, the judiciary, and juries. With the growing complexity of business related investigations, Forensic Accounting professionals are increasing and the need is as well for investigations of business and financial issues. Forensic Accounting Practices Forensic Accounting has been in exist for many years, today there have been an increase in the need for this type of profession. Forensic accounting is the practice of integration of accounting, auditing and investigative skills. The accountings provide a court with an accounting analysis on the basis...
Words: 1442 - Pages: 6
