Services >

Forensic accounting

Forensic accounting is the specialty practice area of accountancy that describes engagements that result from actual or anticipated disputes or litigation. "Forensic" means "suitable for use in a court of law", and it is to that standard and potential outcome that forensic accountants generally have to work. Forensic accountants, also referred to as forensic auditors or investigative auditors, often have to give expert evidence at the eventual trial. All of the larger accounting firms, as well as many medium-sized and boutique firms have specialist forensic accounting departments. Within these groups, there may be further sub-specializations: some forensic accountants may, for example, just specialize in insurance claims, personal injury claims, fraud, construction, or royalty audits.

Examples of matters dealt with are:

• Loss of profits claims
• Money laundering investigations
• Fraud investigations
• False accounting investigations
• Theft investigations
• Personal injury claims
• Consequential loss claims
• Matrimonial disputes

O'Neill Strain Smith strives to provide the best services at the highest standard. By obtaining a distinction in the Diploma in Forensic Accounting, offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, Mr Thomas Strain FCA has demonstrated his expertise in this area.