What You Should Know Before Hiring A Forensic Accountant

There is a difference between an accountant and a forensic accountant.

If your client is under criminal investigation by the IRS or any other agency, their accountant has a conflict of interest due to the fact that they may be called as a government witness. However, a professional forensics accountant has no conflict. Sage Investigations would be able to represent your client without conflict.

There is a difference between a forensic accountant and a prior IRS Special Agent forensic accountant.

The forensic accountant can perform financial analysis, understands accounting procedures and has limited experience in testifying in criminal matters. Where a prior IRS Special Agent forensic accountant understands accounting procedures, performs a financial analysis more effectively and efficiently, knows the ins and outs of the IRS, can usually predict the IRS’s next move, and has extensive experience testifying in court. Sage Investigations has 50 plus years of combined IRS Special Agent experience and 25 years of private sector investigative experience to help your client prevail.

A professional forensic accountant has experience in handling confrontational interviews.

Not all interviews are the same; therefore, special skills and training are needed to handle confrontational interviews. Only the professional forensic accountant with these particular skills, years of training, and experience can handle the confrontational interview and deliver the information needed. Sage Investigations has the experience and training and has delivered hundreds of these interviews.

A professional forensic accountant has skills, knowledge, education, experience and training.

Ask for a resumé or curriculum vitae. If the forensic accountant can’t produce one, you may have a clue about the quality of services that a forensic accountant will provide. Please ask Sage Investigations for the curriculum vitae of anyone on their team.

Not all forensic accountants are discreet and professional.

You need one who is. A forensic accountant that brags to you about other businesses and business cases may brag to others about your case. Professional discretion is essential, and you should beware of a forensic accountant that compromises anyone’s confidentiality. Sage Investigations maintains a need-to-know posture relating to their clients.

Is the forensic accountant articulate and HAS proficient writing skills?

Business professionals have superior speaking and writing skills. If a forensic accountant does not have superior speaking and writing skills, what does it say about the forensic accountant that does not seek self-improvement? Do you want someone barely literate working for you that may have to testify later? The team at Sage Investigations has superior speaking and writing skills.

Forensic accountants vary in their ability with and access to technology.

Ask about the equipment the forensic accountant will use while working on your case. Some forensic accountants still rely on old technology. Is that how you want your company represented in court? How will that reflect on your image or brand? Sage Investigations not only utilizes up-to-date technology, but they have also developed its own software, DIO, which analyzes complex financial data quickly, easily, and efficiently.

Not all forensic accountants maintain their professional skills.

If the forensic accountant has been in the business for a few years, you may want to ask about any training the forensic accountant completed during that time. If they are members of professional organizations, they will likely have attended conferences and seminars that taught such things as report writing, interviewing skills, and trial and deposition testimony. Many professional organizations’ websites let you look up members by name. Someone that does not stay current in the forensic accounting profession may be a high liability for you. Sage Investigations maintains training through membership in many organizations.

Professionals require contracts.

Would you enter into a business agreement without a contract? The contract protects both parties. What does it say about a forensic accountant that ignores such protection? Sage Investigations requires a contract to respond to the client’s needs and ensure relationships remain intact.