Analyzing financial records to determine if laws have been violated (e.g., embezzlements,
investment fraud, insurance fraud, securities fraud, income tax fraud and income tax evasion,
payroll tax fraud and payroll tax evasion, real estate fraud, wire fraud and money laundering)
Analyzing financial records to determine where money has come from or where it has gone, in other words, the source and use of funds
Comparing financial records to determine discrepancies, potential violation of laws and defences’ and investigative leads
Assisting attorneys and investigators in interviewing suspects and witnesses to obtain information regarding financial transactions and activities
Preparing audits, summary financial spreadsheets and detail reports of recommendations
Providing expert testimony in court regarding audit findings and accounting procedures
Designating which records and books should be subpoenaed or obtained by search warrants
Assisting attorneys and investigators in drafting and executing search warrants and seizure of evidence and assets
Determining the financial ability of an individual or business to pay penalties and restitution
Assisting attorneys and investigators in the preparation of cases for prosecution and trial
Required Skills:
The auditor should have the ability to:
Analyze and evaluate financial data and draw conclusions and recommendations
Prepare comprehensive, complex accounting and statistical reports
Reconstruct books and records that have been destroyed or from other financial sources
Prepare graphical representations of findings and conclusions
Utilize analytical software and compile database materials
Initiate, plan and complete work assignments with a minimum amount of direction and control
Provide expert testimony in court regarding audit findings and accounting procedures
Research various laws and regulations related to accounting and auditing
Determine where the evidence for reconstructing financial transactions can be developed
Know the rules of criminal procedure in obtaining, perfecting, and preserving such evidence to ensure admissibility in court proceedings.
Identify and detail probable cause in financial transactions that could be used in an affidavit for search warrants
Demonstrate proficiency in proving illicit income/gain with the use of direct and indirect methods such as cash expenditures, source and application of funds, bank deposits, and net worth analysis.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
One of the following certifications: Association of chartered accountants (ACA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or Certified Fraud Specialist (CFS) certification, former or current law enforcement with experience in financial investigations.
. Minimum of 10 years professional paid experience which would demonstrate sufficient academic and professional accounting or investigative experience to qualify as an expert witness in the area of forensic accounting.
