The word forensic is a derivative of the Latin word forensis, meaning belonging to the forum, which was ancient Rome’s site for public debate. Forensic means relating to the use of science or technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence in a court of law. Thus, forensic testimony or forensic medicine is used to assist the court or the attorneys in resolution of legal issues, including assistance at trial. The integration of accounting, auditing, and investigative skills yields the specialty known as forensic accounting. Modern day forensic accounting can be defined as using financial knowledge and skill in conjunction with investigative techniques to resolve a matter in a legally defensible manner exacting to the specifications of the law.
Forensic accountants are hired to investigate, analyze, interpret, summarize, and present complex financial information. Normally, accountants, especially CPAs, act like watchdogs; a forensic accountant is trained to act more like an FBI Special Agent with a CPA designation. We are taught to look beyond the numbers and to assist with the protection and/or recovery of assets. Personal attributes of a forensic accountant include curiosity, persistence, creativity, organizational skills, self-confidence, and sound professional judgment.
Md. Rayhanul Islam
Lecturer, Accounting
