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FORENSIC TECHNOLOGY

Businesses are increasingly reliant on internet access every single day. While being convenient, it also can leave them susceptible to fraud. At Inquesta, we have access to the most up-to-date forensic technology to assist with all investigations.

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Why Forensic Accounting Technology is Important

Forensic accounting technology is designed to make the job of a forensic accountant easier, more efficient, and more cost-effective. Increased reliance on technology means that accountants no longer need to spend their days rifling through boxes of disorganised paperwork, and can now focus more of their attention on the intricacies of other, more important areas of the case.

While this does not completely negate having to analyse physical documentation, particularly when working with some more traditional workplaces, the rise of technology makes it possible to analyse data in a significantly shorter amount of time than could have been done before. 

Lost or deleted evidence can be retrieved and extracted to be used in court, relevant documents can be keyword-searched to save time, evidence can all be shared with colleagues in seconds — no matter where they are. 

This increasing reliance on forensic technology is exactly why all forensic accountants today are required to have an in-depth understanding and knowledge of up-to-date technology and softwares that can be utilised to make their job more efficient and cost-effective for clients.

How Forensic Technology Works

Computers and mobile phones with internet access are commonplace in the corporate environment, with each one containing data that could prove vital during a forensic accounting investigation. Forensic technology gives forensic accountants access to this key information quickly and seamlessly. 

While modernisation with technology is excellent for making companies more agile and efficient, it can also leave them susceptible to fraud. In addition, it may give potential fraudsters extra ways to conceal their actions amongst the sheer amount of data that a business may possess.

Forensic Technology Services

The forensic technology services that we offer to each and every client we work with are:

  • Data mapping 
  • Defensible forensic data collection
  • Data Analytics 
  • Forensic image analysis 
  • Processing/hosting of data 
  • Consultation on new technologies
  • Data interrogation 
  • Archival Data Restoration 
  • Expert Witness Statements

We have amassed a great deal of expertise in guiding our clients through whatever their case may be, using only the latest training and technology.

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We provide an all-encompassing and efficient service. Our team of forensic accountants have access to the most up-to-date forensic technology, to meet the specific needs of every one of our clients.

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The Forensic Information Technology Process

The forensic information technology process is designed to streamline an investigation. It is intended to provide a clear, step by step run through; from uncovering vital evidence, through to preservation and documentation, and finally, to analysis and presentation of this potentially key evidence.

Identify

The first step in the forensic information technology process is to identify whether any evidence could be present on an electronic device. If it is believed that evidence exists, then the forensic accountant will then look to ascertain where it is stored, and in which format it is stored in. 

Forensic accountants are trained and experienced in all modern technologies, particularly those commercially used, and have all the skills required to recover any evidence on a particular machine.

Preserve

The next step is to ensure that the evidence is able to make it to future stages of the investigation process, and cannot be tampered with in any way. This usually involves isolating the data by either securing the station it is held on and removing all other access, removing the evidence and placing it onto a different device, or both.

Document

At this point, a record of all data must be created. This step involves documenting the scene of any crime, as well as any relevant photos, sketches, crime-scene mapping, correspondence, and more. 

This step helps with the analysis phase, because it makes visualising how the crime may have been committed in the first place easier.

Analyse

Arguably the most important step in the entire forensic information technology process is to analyse any evidence recovered in the investigation. This will involve forming conclusions from any fragments of evidence acquired. 

This stage can be one of the most complicated and difficult in the entire process. It could take multiple iterations of the investigation to find and devise the ideal strategy.

Present

The final step is likely to be the most important and high-pressured. Once evidence has been uncovered, preserved, documented, and analysed, the only thing left to do is summarise and present a conclusion — either to a client, or in court as an expert witness. 

The conclusion will be presented in layman’s terms so that all parties (particularly the judge and jury) can clearly understand the important information included in the report — something that is considered a key skill held by all forensic accountants.

Free eBook: The Complete Guide to Forensic Accounting

Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce, are having a disagreement with a fellow shareholder, you’re accused of/have been victim to financial crime, or are the subject of a POCA order, there is a huge variety of ways a forensic accountant can assist and support you through any situation, no matter how complicated. 

Whatever your situation, our free guide to forensic accounting is designed to help you to better understand the work done by our team of experts. We cover how the process works, when a forensic accountant’s skill set can help you, their specific areas of expertise, and much more.

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How Our Forensic Technology Consultants Can Help

Internet access is routinely used across the corporate world. Every worker will use devices like computers and mobiles, all with access to the internet, and all storing data and information. 

This data and information stored on technology can be key to unlocking a high stakes case of fraud or misconduct.  

At Inquesta, we have all the latest technology, and a team of specialist forensic accountants that are dedicated to their craft. This means we are able to provide you with an unmatched service, and make sure that all evidence is found and presented efficiently and effectively. 

The best interests of our clients are at the forefront of everything we do, so you can be confident you are dealing with a company that will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the best possible results.

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Our Specialist Team

Meet the expert team at Inquesta ready to use the latest forensic technology to assist you with whatever you need.

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Rob Miller

Director of Forensic Accounting

A co-founder of Inquesta, Rob Miller is a chartered accountant, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and a Practising Member of The Academy of Experts.

With decades of experience in providing specialist forensic accounting services, Rob has been instructed to assist with numerous cases — such as financial investigations, criminal defence and confiscation proceedings, commercial and contractual disputes, valuation matters, and much more besides. He has acted on behalf of claimants, defendants, and as a single joint expert.

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Noreen Iqbal

Forensics Director

An ACCA-qualified accountant with over a decade of experience acting as a Senior Forensic Accountant within accounts and audit-focused roles. She is vastly experienced in forensic, external and internal auditing, and accounts, having worked at a senior level on a number of high-profile cases across multiple jurisdictions. Her work includes aspects of fraud, money laundering, tracing of funds exercise, and reviewing financial statements.

“Rob Miller is my first choice for forensic accountancy on criminal cases. He has an impressive eye for detail and adopts a ‘user-friendly’ approach to interaction with our clients and other professionals which ensures the smooth running of any task we instruct him to undertake.”

Jennifer Richardson, Solicitor-Advocate

FAQs

The world of technology is always changing, with new and more efficient discoveries being made all the time. This of course presents a unique challenge for forensic accounting investigators, as it could give fraudsters even more opportunities to conceal their actions. Keeping abreast of the latest developments nullifies this threat.

Forensic technology can have a substantial impact on a forensic accounting investigation. It enables investigators to have access to essential data quickly and efficiently, while closing potential loopholes and exploits that fraudsters may have been using.

Absolutely. With an increasing reliance on new software and programs, forensic technology’s importance is growing exponentially.

Also in Forensic Accounting

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Financial Loss & Business Interruption

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