Forensic Accounting

A specialized program that explores the role of forensic accounting in financial investigations and litigation support. Participants will learn how to apply accounting, investigative, and analytical techniques to detect financial fraud, support judicial decision-making, and contribute to the administration of justice. The program also examines the responsibilities of the forensic accountant as an expert witness and highlights the fundamental differences between forensic accounting and traditional auditing.

Duration: 4 Days
Training Hours: 24 Training Hours
Target Audience: Certified public accountants, internal and external auditors, financial investigators, legal consultants, and professionals preparing for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.
Delivery Mode: In-person / Hybrid

Detailed Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the forensic accounting methodology and distinguish it from conventional external auditing.
• Apply forensic financial analysis techniques to detect accounting irregularities, financial statement fraud, and other forms of financial misconduct.
• Differentiate the key stages of a forensic accounting engagement, including investigation planning, evidence collection, forensic analysis, and expert witness reporting.
• Prepare comprehensive forensic accounting reports suitable for submission before courts and judicial authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Understand the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of a forensic accountant serving as an expert witness before Saudi courts.

Key Topics

• Foundations of Forensic Accounting: Concepts, scope, professional standards, and the distinction between forensic accountants, financial investigators, and external auditors.
• Forensic Analytical Techniques: Data analytics, Benford’s Law, variance analysis, financial statement analysis, and other forensic accounting tools.
• Financial and Accounting Fraud Schemes: Financial statement fraud, asset misappropriation, embezzlement, related-party transactions, and transfer pricing manipulation.
• Forensic Investigation Reports: Report structure, legal drafting principles, evidentiary standards, and best practices for litigation support.
• The Forensic Accountant as an Expert Witness: Expert testimony, courtroom procedures, cross-examination, professional independence, and maintaining objectivity.