Author

Nancy Beazley

Publication Date

1-1-1992

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Lahey, James F.

Degree Name

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Accountancy

Abstract

Until recently only a few people had ever heard of forensic accountants, let alone used their services. Tougher business competition, the increase in mergers, and losses due to fraud, employee theft and other corporate white-collar crime have increased the demand for forensic accountants. Litigation support, also known as forensic accounting, has been practiced in accounting firms for a number of years but it is, only, recently that it has emerged as a growing source of income. The extent of an expert accountant's role will depend upon the stage, in the litigation process, in which the attorney retained his services. The accountant may be recognized as either a consultant or an expert witness who will testify at trial. In either role, the accountant will give preliminary advice, identify key documents that are needed for evidence, assist the attorney in preparing for trial, aid in settlement negotiations, and advise counsel during trial . Forensic accounting includes all financial and accounting analysis performed by a professional accountant to assist counsel in connection with its investigation, assessment, and proof of issues in a litigation proceeding. As a consultant or an expert witness, a CPA must present a well-analyzed opinion that can be firmly supported. A CPA can provide a trial attorney vital assistance with the accounting, auditing, and financial aspects of a lawsuit in an objective manner. Forensic Accounting needs to be recognized as a discipline with its' own set of general, professional standards that can be applied to its' unique character .

Extent

22 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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