What is forensic auditing?

Published On: 19 October 2023

By Sam Alex
Sam Alex is a seasoned accountant based in the United Arab Emirates with more than 7 years of experience in VAT consulting. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for numbers, Sam has spent over a decade helping businesses navigate the complex world of finance. His expertise lies in tax planning, financial forecasting, and strategic budgeting.

What is forensic auditing?

Published On: 19 October 2023


When people say “checking your organisation,” they usually mean auditing the financial statements to see whether they reflect the company’s financial situation in accordance with the relevant laws. However, financial audits are just one type of audit that your organisation should undertake. Other audits will be of help to you in terms of identifying how your organisation is functioning, whether there are loopholes, and maintaining control.

Understanding different types of audits will help your organization achieve all the set goals and standards.

What is Forensic Auditing?

Being a forensic auditor is similar to being a financial detective. It entails thoroughly inspecting financial data and transactions for indicators of fraud, malfeasance, or abnormalities. This sort of audit goes beyond standard financial auditing to investigate and collect evidence for legal objectives. It all comes down to diving deep into the numbers to find any hidden unanswered questions.

Why it's Important

Forensic auditing is necessary for a number of reasons:

Detecting Fraud: It aids in the detection of fraudulent actions within an organisation, which can prevent a business from major financial losses.

Legal Compliance: It ensures that a corporation follows all applicable rules and regulations, which is critical for avoiding legal troubles and penalties.

Preventing Misconduct: By uncovering unethical behaviour, forensic auditing can deter employees and stakeholders from engaging in wrongdoing.

Asset Protection: It protects a company's assets and resources by revealing any misuse or misappropriation.

Evidence in Legal Proceedings: Forensic audit findings are also admissible in courts, thus necessary for investigations and litigations.

Maintaining Trust: It shows a commitment towards transparency and integrity; this helps in upholding trustworthiness for shareholders, customers, and members of the public at large.

Risk Management: A forensic audit has potential advantages for the organization as it enables the identification of vulnerability or weaknesses in the organization’s internal control systems which provide for better management of risks.

Forensic auditing is vital for ensuring good governance, preventing fraud, and protecting corporate image and profits.

Objectives of Forensic Auditing

Corruption and Fraud in Forensic Auditing

The auditor pays particular attention to the following during a forensic audit:

Conflicts of Interest: This arises when an offender takes advantage of their position at the expense of the firm. For example, suppose a manager deliberately approves phoney expenses for an employee with whom he or she has a personal relationship.

Bribery: bribery, that is, to give money or some other incentive in order to achieve a particular result or get an advantage.

Extortion refers in an illegitimate way to any money or valuables by means of current or future threats, including force and another type of fear.

Supporting Legal Cases

Forensic auditing plays a pivotal role in supporting legal cases by meticulously examining financial records, transactions, and evidence. It unearths critical information that can be used to bolster legal actions in court. Forensic audits help establish the veracity of charges, identify wrongdoers, and indicate the amount of financial fraud by presenting clear and well-documented results.

This evidence forms the foundation for legal proceedings, ensuring that justice is delivered and wrongdoers are held accountable. The ability of forensic auditing to obtain, preserve, and present financial evidence is critical in reaching successful outcomes in court matters involving fraud, corruption, and financial misbehaviour.

Preventing Future Misconduct

Forensic auditing not only reveals previous financial misbehaviour, but it also plays an important role in preventing similar situations in the future. Forensic auditors can recommend and implement safeguards and improvements by detecting vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization's internal controls and financial systems. These safeguards improve the organization's ability to detect and deter wrongdoing. Furthermore, knowing that forensic audits are possible acts as a potent disincentive, prohibiting employees and stakeholders from engaging in fraudulent or corrupt practices. In this sense, forensic auditing acts as a preventative measure to protect an organisation from potential financial misbehaviour, resulting in a more transparent and compliant environment.

How to hire Forensic auditors in UAE 

To hire forensic auditors in the UAE, you can follow these steps:

Online Directory Search: Look for search engines that specialise in linking individuals and businesses with financial service providers, such as Audit Firms. Search their website for forensic auditors in the UAE.

Browse Listings: Search the directory for forensic auditors or audit firms in the UAE. Take note of their skills, services provided, and consumer feedback.

Check Qualifications: Make certain that the forensic auditors or businesses you are considering engaging are qualified and licenced to operate in the UAE. Look for applicable credentials and forensic auditing experience.

Contact Several Options: Speak with several forensic auditors or firms about your specific goals, budget, and timetable. Make a request for estimates or proposals from them.

Interview Candidates: If possible, conduct interviews to assess their knowledge and expertise in forensic auditing. Inquire about their previous experience with cases similar to yours.

References and Reviews: Request references from past clients and check online reviews to get a sense of their track record and reputation.

Cost and Services: Compare the prices and services provided by various forensic auditors. Check to see if their services meet your needs.

Contract and Terms: Once you've decided on a forensic auditor or firm, formalise the agreement in writing. Make sure it specifies the scope of work, deadlines, costs, and any other pertinent terms.

Communicate Clearly: Maintain clear communication throughout the engagement to ensure the forensic audit runs well and meets your expectations.

Monitor Progress: Keep track of the forensic audit's progress to stay up to date on its results and implications.



We have emphasised the importance of forensic auditing in everything from discovering fraud to supporting legal claims and preventing future misconduct. Furthermore, we have provided a practical guide on how to hire forensic auditors in the UAE, emphasising the significance of qualifications and clear communication. Understanding the many aspects of forensic auditing is essential for organisations looking to protect their financial integrity and compliance.

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