Role of Forensic Accounting to Strengthen Corporate Governance : An Empirical Study

An increasing number of researchers are finding that 'poor' CG is a leading factor in dismal performance, manipulated financial reports, and unhappy stakeholders. Undoubtedly, qualified, trained and mature Chartered Forensic Accountants (CFA's) can prove to be a valuable asset to the corporate sector, and gradually help to improve their CG system. The fundamental objective of this study is to find out "how can we integrate the expertise of the FA to improve the overall CG scenario prevalent in India?" This is a preliminary investigation of the necessary skills, educational and training requirements for CFA's to improve CG system. During 2011-12, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted in the NCR of India using a sample size of 120 practicing chartered accountants, accounting academics, and potential users of FA services. Results indicate that potential practitioners, academics and users agree that "critical thinking, written & oral communication, legal knowledge, auditing skills, deductive analysis, investigative flexibility, analytical proficiency and unstructured problem-solving are the most important skills required for the CFAs." Moreover, we found that all of the skills investigated in this study are 'potentially' important for the CFAs, which the educators at the Universities should use as an overall guide while designing their FA curriculum."