Financial Crime World

IRANIAN ACCOUNTANTS’ PERCEPTION OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING: A CASE STUDY

A recent study conducted among 204 accountants in Iran has revealed a significant lack of knowledge and understanding about forensic accounting services, methods, and sources among Iranian accountants.

Poor Knowledge of Financial Rules and Forensic Accounting Methods

The research aimed to investigate the perception of Iranian accountants regarding forensic accounting services, methods, and sources. The findings indicate that Iranian accountants have poor knowledge of financial rules and forensic accounting methods, which stems from inadequate training provided by firms’ financial managers.

Limited Exposure to Forensic Accounting

According to the study, 12.3% of the respondents had no experience in forensic accounting, while 25% of them had only limited exposure to it. Furthermore, only 35.8% of the accountants reported having received any form of training on forensic accounting.

Recommendations for Improvement

The researchers proposed several recommendations based on their findings, including:

  • Training Courses: Provide performance-based training courses for accountants to enhance their understanding of financial rules and forensic accounting.
  • Fraud Prevention and Detection: Offer necessary training in fraud prevention and detection.
  • Professional Development: Encourage active professionals to learn financial rules of crimes and their application.
  • Standardization of Sources: Standardize forensic accounting sources.
  • Database of Financial Fines and Prevention Methods: Provide a good database of financial fines and prevention methods.
  • Consultation Society: Establish a consultation society for accountants in forensic accounting.
  • University Programs: Offer courses on forensic accounting as part of university programs.
  • Specialized Seminars: Hold specialized seminars in forensic accounting.

Significance of the Study

The study’s findings highlight the need for increased awareness and education among Iranian accountants regarding forensic accounting. The recommendations proposed in this study can help to improve the knowledge and skills of Iranian accountants in forensic accounting, ultimately contributing to the prevention of fraud and other financial crimes in Iran.

References

  1. Buckhoff, T. A., & Schrader, R. W. (2000). Forensic Accounting Education and Certification. Journal of Forensic Accounting, 1(1), 1-15.
  2. Pedneault, S. (2009). Fraud 101: Techniques and Strategies for Understanding Fraud. John Wiley & Sons Inc., Hoboken, NJ.
  3. Ramazani, M., & Rafiei Atani, H. (2010). Iranian Accountants’ Conception of the Prevention Methods of Fraud And Offering Some Recommendations To Reduce Fraud In Iran. Global Journal of Management and Business Research, 10(6), 31-45.

Key Findings

  • 12.3% of respondents had no experience in forensic accounting
  • 25% of respondents had limited exposure to forensic accounting
  • Only 35.8% of accountants reported having received any form of training on forensic accounting
  • Iranian accountants have poor knowledge of financial rules and forensic accounting methods