Forensic services
What we do
Four key areas make up the work of Forensic Services - Dispute Resolution, Insurance Services, Investigations and Forensic Technology.
In Dispute Resolution we deal with business and share valuations, claims for consequential losses, breach of contract and a whole range of claims from fatal accident to professional negligence. For example, a property investor who rented properties had an accident, but his loss was restricted to an eight-month period, as he had a heart attack at this point. His losses were based on his inability to purchase properties in the eight-month period and the loss of rental income and future loss of capital gain.
Insurance Services involves loss of profit claims through fires or other such incidents, risk analysis and advice, and claim support. For example, as a result of a factory fire, loss of profits and increased costs were claimed at a manufacturing facility. Our insurance team were appointed to review the claimed losses and worked with the adjusters to settle the claim.
Investigations looks into asset tracing, corporate fraud investigations and VAT investigations.
Forensic Technology centres around computer investigations, such as unauthorised system access (hacking), e-discovery, corporate litigation support and fraud and money laundering investigations.
Our clients
We are either instructed by lawyers on behalf of their clients or directly by corporates.
What you can expect
First and foremost, we’ll provide you with the training and skills to help you become a valued forensic accountant. A three-year training contract will lead to the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification, with other courses in general business skills, computer skills and networking skills adding to your experience. You’ll also review your progress and training needs twice a year, with each and every graduate getting the individual support they need.
Key to building understanding, you’ll be exposed to all areas of forensic services. Starting on analytical and statistical work, then gaining an understanding of a case, you’ll eventually create the solutions to help estimate potential losses.
With more experience, you’ll be handed greater responsibility in running cases. Working more closely with directors and associates, delegating the analysis sections of reports and developing your report-writing skills, there’s every opportunity to heighten your forensics expertise.
Further down the track, you’ll be more involved in marketing initiatives to help you build your own profile.
In forensics every case is different and the work can be challenging - demanding mental agility and creativity. We often work to tight deadlines and are invariably working with our professionals such as solicitors and barristers - which is mentally stimulating.
Career progression
In forensics trainees typically work in smaller teams and directly with highly experienced directors and associates, with plenty of on the job training. Forensics is a relatively young but rapidly growing specialisation in the accountancy sector and good quality forensic accountants who have trained with a leading firm are evermore in high demand within the market. If you’ve got the ambition, then there’s no telling where your career will lead.
