A metamorphosis of the traditional accountant

TLDR

The study aims to identify current trends in Australian forensic accounting by examining how specialist firms meet client needs, to guide university curricula so graduates possess industry‑relevant skills. The authors conducted an exploratory qualitative study using semi‑structured interviews. Interviews with 32 Australian forensic professionals revealed that the field offers broad, complex services requiring strong work‑based and personal attributes, and highlighted a gap in graduates’ communication skills and the absence of a national forensic accounting certification.

Abstract

Purpose The aim of the study is to identify the latest trends in accounting forensic work in Australia by examining how accounting firms that specialise in forensic services meet the needs of their clients, and to inform universities on the appropriate curricula to ensure the knowledge and skills of future graduates meet industry expectations. Design/methodology/approach The methodological approach taken in this study was exploratory, and qualitative semi‐structured interviews were the primary data collection instrument used. Findings Findings from 32 interviews with Australian practising forensic professionals suggest that these services are broad and complex. Opinions differ widely on the best way forward for this area of the accounting profession. Both work‐based and personal attributes required by practising forensic professionals together with the wide range of complex services offered in Australia are presented in a posited model, providing a unique contribution to international forensic accounting literature. Forensic services firms require strong work‐based skills such as oral and written communication skills, technology and analytical skills, in addition to an accounting qualification, as part of their under‐graduate or post‐graduate degrees. Practical implications Perceptions were also that graduates require strong interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, intelligence and the ability to work independently and although this has been reported in the literature previously, findings from this study suggest there is still a deficiency in forensic accounting graduates skill set, particularly in relation to oral and written communication. The lack of an Australian‐based forensic accounting certification was also raised. Originality/value Both work‐based skills and personal attributes are presented in a posited model of the Australian forensic accountant, providing a unique contribution to international forensic accounting literature.