Process:
Financial forensics involves thoroughly examining financial records, bank statements, invoices, tax records, and other financial transactions to detect irregularities that may indicate fraudulent activities. This usually includes steps like data collection, normalization, and statistical analysis, often supported by specialized forensic accounting software. Anomalies are flagged for deeper investigation, which may involve interviews, cross-referencing with other records, and sometimes undercover investigations.
Examples:
During a corporate audit, financial forensics revealed that a series of transactions were funneled to a vendor owned by a C-suite executive, indicating a conflict of interest and potential embezzlement.
Financial forensics helped identify undisclosed offshore accounts and hidden assets in a case of suspected tax evasion.
Risks of Not Doing It:
The absence of financial forensics can have severe consequences for a company, including reputational damage, legal repercussions, and financial loss. Undetected fraud or embezzlement can drain resources and even threaten the viability of a business. Additionally, the lack of proper financial forensics can result in non-compliance with regulatory frameworks, leading to hefty fines and further financial instability. Lastly, failure to conduct financial forensics might expose a company to future risks by not identifying and rectifying weak points in its financial controls.