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Article
Publication date: 14 September 2023

Peterson K. Ozili

This paper aims to review the relevant forensic accounting research (FAR) around the world and suggests avenues for future research in forensic accounting.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the relevant forensic accounting research (FAR) around the world and suggests avenues for future research in forensic accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the thematic and systematic literature review methodology to analyse the existing literature in FAR.

Findings

The major thematic areas in the literature are fraud motivation, fraud consequences, fraud detection using forensic accounting techniques, forensic accounting theory, forensic accounting skills, forensic accounting education and forensic accounting jobs. The quantity of FAR is relatively small compared to the quantity of research in other accounting specializations. FAR is well developed in the USA and Canada and is less developed in Europe, Oceania and Asia. There is high interest in FAR in African countries. There is a relatively low global interest in internet information about “forensic accounting research” compared to global interest in other forensic accounting topics. Areas for future research include the role of the environment, digitalization, religiosity and sustainable development in forensic accounting.

Practical implications

FAR around the world is lopsided, as some regions have more advanced FAR compared to other regions. There is a need for even development of FAR across all regions and a need to publicize the outputs of FAR to a larger audience to increase people’s interest in forensic accounting.

Originality/value

The study extends the literature by presenting a rigorous thematic and systematic review of the existing literature. It highlights the depth of FAR, the major thematic areas, the benefits of FAR to society and the geographical reach of existing FAR.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2021

Hashem Alshurafat

This study aims to ask a theoretical question of “whether forensic accounting meets the sociological criteria of being a profession” in the Australian context. The present study…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to ask a theoretical question of “whether forensic accounting meets the sociological criteria of being a profession” in the Australian context. The present study responds to several scholarly calls to improve the studies on forensic accounting in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the professionalism theory perspective, this study developed an analysis of the sociological criteria of a profession. This study used qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with elite Australian forensic accounting practitioners and academics.

Findings

The findings of the study show that forensic accounting in Australia partly meets the sociological criteria of a profession. Forensic accounting in the Australian context must meet essential criteria such as autonomy and commitment to be recognized as a profession.

Practical implications

This study has implications for the professionalism of forensic accounting along with vital issues surrounding the profession such as public recognition, altruistic behavior and control of entry to the profession.

Social implications

This study provides social contributions by emphasizing forensic accountants’ sociological roles, including the altruistic role and solving social problems role. Understanding these roles provides the practitioners with the fundamental knowledge to use during their work.

Originality/value

This study is original in that it sheds light on the professionalism of forensic accounting in the Australian context.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2020

Mayank Gangwani

Economic robustness is the heart of any country’s prosperity. It is no wonder that economic progression is a crucial force that keeps a nation rolling on its wheels. As economic…

Abstract

Purpose

Economic robustness is the heart of any country’s prosperity. It is no wonder that economic progression is a crucial force that keeps a nation rolling on its wheels. As economic well-being is such an important piece in the jigsaw of a country’s health, economic shocks must be kept at a bare minimum. India in recent years has experienced various banking failures and scams that put the financial system at stake and crushed investor confidence. There are examples aplenty of banks collapsing because of siphoning and diversion of funds in risky propositions that ultimately put the depositors and financial institutions at the receiving end. As per Reserve Bank of India’s latest annual report, it has been reported that there have been bank frauds worth a whopping Rs 72,000 crore in the financial year 2019. Therefore, this study aims to obtain the perception of Academicians and Practitioners regarding forensic accounting’s suitability in uncovering bank frauds.

Design/methodology/approach

A strategically constructed Likert scale questionnaire was designed to obtain perception of Academicians and Practitioners regarding forensic accounting’s suitability in uncovering bank frauds. The analysis was performed by applying the “non-parametric test” on the data gathered from the questionnaire.

Findings

By testing the relevant hypotheses, it has been found that insiders working in the bank team up with outsiders in perpetrating fraudulent activities resulted in bank failures, that both forensic accountant and traditional accountant were different from each other and that adoption of forensic accounting in India will aid regulatory authorities in doing their job more efficiently.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses purposive sampling, as it only takes the perception of college and professional course students (chartered accountants/company secretary/certified management accountant) and teachers having knowledge in accounting which made sample size quite small (156). This study only covers frauds that were conjured in the banking industry and hence does not touch upon scams that occurred in other financial institutions. This study is confined to Indian banks only. This study uses an opinion survey to ensure the suitability of forensic accounting in uncovering bank frauds.

Originality/value

The originality of this study has been checked through Turnitin plagiarism software in which the similarity was 8%.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 October 2023

Huthaifa Al-Hazaima, Omar Arabiat and Ghassan Maayah

This study aims to examine the association between forensic accounting services (FAS) and the risk of litigation within the context of industrial firms that are publicly traded on…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between forensic accounting services (FAS) and the risk of litigation within the context of industrial firms that are publicly traded on the Amman Stock Exchange by using the resource-based theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a data set consisting of 250 firm-year observations from 2017 to 2021, obtained from the annual reports of 50 selected firms. Logistic regression techniques are used to examine the specifics of the investigated relationship.

Findings

The findings strongly suggest that companies that use FAS are more likely to face increased litigation risks. This observation suggests that these firms are subject to a more thorough level of evaluation or scrutiny, which inherently increases their vulnerability to potential risks. The study incorporated several control variables such as firm age, size, profitability and working capital. However, it is noteworthy that the connection between FAS and litigation risk emerged as particularly prominent.

Research limitations/implications

Findings highlight the need for practitioners to tread cautiously with FAS. Although they provide in-depth evaluations, they can also unveil vulnerabilities, leading to increased legal action. Companies should balance the depth of FAS scrutiny against potential legal repercussions, ensuring they harness its benefits without inadvertently raising legal risks.

Originality/value

While most studies have emphasized the impact of forensic accounting on fraud, this paper covers a gap in the literature regarding the impact of FAS on litigation risks. The paper also facilitates the understanding of the correlation between firm characteristics and the likelihood of litigation.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Abdallah Bader Alzoubi

This paper aims to explore the joint role of forensic accounting and corporate governance in enhancing internal control effectiveness.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the joint role of forensic accounting and corporate governance in enhancing internal control effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a previously administrated questionnaire as a data collection method and partial least squares structural equation modeling as a data analysis tool.

Findings

The findings of this paper find a positive relationship between the study’s independent variables (forensic accounting and corporate governance) and dependent variables (internal control effectiveness).

Research limitations/implications

One potential limitation of this study is the use of a previously administered questionnaire as the primary data collection method, which may have limited the scope and depth of the data collected. Another limitation may be the focus on only two independent variables (forensic accounting and corporate governance), which may not fully capture all the factors that contribute to internal control effectiveness. Despite these limitations, this study provides important insights into the role of forensic accounting and corporate governance in enhancing internal control effectiveness and highlights the need for further research in this area.

Practical implications

This paper underscores the importance of investing in effective internal control systems and highlights the key role that forensic accounting and corporate governance play in enhancing the effectiveness of these systems.

Social implications

Effective internal control systems are important not only for the financial health of organizations but also for their social and ethical responsibilities to stakeholders. The findings of this study suggest that investing in strong forensic accounting and corporate governance practices can help organizations meet these responsibilities and promote trust and transparency. Policymakers and regulators may use these findings to inform their efforts to promote effective internal control systems and enhance public trust in organizations.

Originality/value

This paper has important implications for service organizations in Jordan and can be used to inform policymakers and regulators in their efforts to promote strong and effective internal control systems.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2023

Esraa Esam Alharasis, Hossam Haddad, Mohammad Alhadab, Maha Shehadeh and Elina F. Hasan

This study aims to examine the degree of consciousness of forensic accounting (FA) in Jordan. This study surveys practitioners and academicians about their views and thoughts…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the degree of consciousness of forensic accounting (FA) in Jordan. This study surveys practitioners and academicians about their views and thoughts toward the expected role of using FA techniques to detecting and preventing fraud practices and shedding more light on advantages and obstacles of using the FA techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect the data, a questionnaire was constructed and distributed to the study population which consists of accounting academics, students and accounting practitioners.

Findings

The results of this study show evidence that both students and professionals have a lower level of awareness on the FA concept and its importance. The results also confirm there is a significant correlation between, fraud prevention and detection, advantages of the application of FA, the training courses toward the application of FA and the application of FA in the context of Jordan. It has also been confirmed that there is a number of significant factors hinders this implementation in Jordan.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study offer many policy implications for regulators and policymakers on the needed relevant information to address and implement FA in education and practice, thereby activating the FA concept in Jordan.

Originality/value

The primary motivation of this study is driven by the limited and inconclusive research on the FA as a monitoring tool, notably there is a high possibility of fraud and misstatement practices due to the agency conflict. This study is the first of its kind to discuss this topic in the context of Jordan. The need to integrating the accounting education within accounting profession regarding FA becomes an urgent need to develop the awareness level of practitioners when it comes to practice of FA.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2019

Mark Eshwar Lokanan

The purpose of this paper is to formulate and propose a fraud investigation plan that forensic accountants can use to investigate financial frauds. In particular, the paper sets…

1331

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate and propose a fraud investigation plan that forensic accountants can use to investigate financial frauds. In particular, the paper sets out the structure and rationale of the fraud investigation plan that both forensic accountants and fraud examiners can use in their investigation of false accounting and theft charges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the material facts from the Polly Peck International fraud as a prototype case upon which to build an investigation plan and detail potential areas of investigation to establish evidence for a criminal trial.

Findings

The findings revealed that the case can be used to provide insights on evidence gathering techniques and test particular models of fraud detection. The concealment and conversion evidence gathering techniques provide fodder on how to gather and triangulate both direct and circumstantial evidence that can be used to avoid mistrials in courts.

Practical implications

The case is of interest to practitioners and forensic and fraud examination students who would like to build on their existing knowledge and obtain insights into the steps to follow to conduct an investigation and gather evidence to build a case. The paper makes specific recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of investigations.

Originality/value

The paper is among one of the few to propose a fraud investigation plan designed to investigate cases involving false accounting and theft charges. More importantly, the paper uses a real case to illustrate how to examine documentation/data and how such documentation will be analysed in a trial.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Zaiton Hamin, Wan Rosalili Wan Rosli, Normah Omar and Awang Armadajaya Pengiran Awang Mahmud

The purpose of this paper is to examine the way in which the courts in the UK have interpreted the meaning of criminal property in the principal money laundering offenses under…

1471

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the way in which the courts in the UK have interpreted the meaning of criminal property in the principal money laundering offenses under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a doctrinal legal analysis and secondary data, which analyze the primary source, which is POCA itself, and secondary sources including case law, articles in academic journals, books and online databases.

Findings

The authors contend that the courts in the UK have been dynamically interpreting the ambit of money laundering offenses in POCA and that despite such judicial activism in the construction of criminal property, it has provided a much needed certainty to the law.

Originality/value

This paper could be a useful source of information for the practitioners, academicians, policymakers and students in this particular area of crime.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Rana Taha, Noor Taha and Husam Ananzeh

This study aims to examine the impact of firm indicators on litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector from 2017 to 2021, where the relationship between firm indicators and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of firm indicators on litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector from 2017 to 2021, where the relationship between firm indicators and litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector is a crucial area of research that can help financial institutions understand the factors that increase their probability of litigation risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for this study comprised 92 publicly traded financial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. The study used a quantitative research approach to analyse the relationship between four firm indicators (profitability, firm size, leverage and age) and their impact on litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector from 2017 to 2021.

Findings

Our findings reveal that firm size has a significant positive impact on litigation risk, whereas profitability was found to have no significant impact on litigation risk. Moreover, the authors found that financial leverage substantially positively impacts litigation risk levels. However, the firm age was found to have no significant impact on litigation risk.

Originality/value

The results provide valuable insights into factors contributing to litigation risk in the Jordanian financial sector and the findings can inform strategic decisions for financial firms as they seek to manage litigation risk and improve financial performance. The study contributes to the existing literature on litigation risk by examining the impact of multiple firm indicators on litigation risk in the context of the Jordanian financial sector.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2023

Syed Waleed Ul Hassan, Samra Kiran, Samina Gul, Ibrahim N. Khatatbeh and Bibi Zainab

This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of financial accountants and both internal and external auditors regarding the impact of corporate governance (CG) and information…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of financial accountants and both internal and external auditors regarding the impact of corporate governance (CG) and information technology (IT) on the detection and prevention of fraud within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from 250 financial accountants, internal auditors and external auditors through questionnaires. The non-probability snowball sampling technique was used for data collection, with the sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test applied for analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that robust CG practices and IT techniques significantly aid in detecting and reducing fraudulent activities by minimizing opportunities, rationalizations, pressures and capabilities of potential employees to commit fraud. Internal controls also play a significant role in reducing instances of fraud. Notably, ethical officers and ethical training were not perceived as significantly effective in preventing and detecting fraud, leading to a perception that fraudulent practices are prevalent and increasing the risk of future fraudulent activities.

Research limitations/implications

This study recommends the adoption of strong CG practices to identify potential fraud within an organization. Moreover, IT techniques should be tailored to specific needs for effective utilization. Furthermore, the government should increase awareness regarding data provision by departments, organizations and other related personnel. Future research could use secondary data from various regions to expand the literature in this field.

Originality/value

This research uniquely combines three significant factors: CG, IT and forensic accounting in fraud detection and prevention. It contributes to the enhancement of literature about fraud and its preventive and detective measures. The results of this study set the seed for future research, government policymaking and enhanced organizational practices.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

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