EFFECTS OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING SKILLS ON AUDITING AND INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES IN A CORPORATE ORGANIZATION IN NIGERIA

Enyeribe, Vivian Anuli, Uchegbu, Basil Chibueze and Uzoma, Samuel Kemakolam
Keywords: Forensic Accounting, forensic accounting skills, auditing /investigation activities
Clifford University International Journal of Development Studies (CLUIJODS) 2023 3(1), 42 - 52. Published: December 2023

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of forensic accounting skills on auditing and investigation activities of corporate organizations in Nigeria. Three research objectives and three hypotheses were stated and formulated to guide the study. The study adopted purposive sampling technique to select 10 external auditors of corporate firms and 40 registered ANAN members in Owerri metropolis. Instrument for data collection was a four point Likert scale questionnaire structured into very high extent (VHE), high extent (HE) low extent (LE) and very low extent (VLE). Data analysis was carried out with mean procedure and ordinary least square regression. Findings showed that mean ratings of respondents were above 2.5 expected mean which showed that the respondents accepted that forensic accounting skills highly impacted on auditing and investigation activities. Test of hypotheses with reference to regression result revealed that financial skills, non-financial skills and basic knowledge of law significantly impacted on performance audit. The study therefore recommends that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria should encourage formalization and specialization in the field of forensic accounting and that government should develop interest in forensic accounting for monitoring and investigation of suspected corruption cases.