Role of Accounting Thought in the Evolution of Forensic Accounting: The Past, Present and Future
This paper examined the role of accounting thought in the evolution of forensic accounting linking it with what forensic accounting was in the past, what it is in the present and what it will be in the future. The study also examined the challenges of forensic accounting. Hints and clarifications are offered by accounting thoughts for most of the noteworthy events that shaped the progress of forensic accounting. Also, the need for forensic accounting came about due to the failure of traditional auditing practices in detecting frauds and the increase in financial crimes in both private and public sectors all over the world. Forensic accounting has experienced a lot of changes recently due to the growth of global remote and automated accounting solutions which has led to increase in the demand for forensic accounting solutions. However, forensic accounting lacks public recognition about the nature of its services. Most forensic accountants also lack the necessary technological skills. All these limitations have posed a serious challenge to the growth of the profession. The conclusion drawn from this study is that forensic accounting has improved compared to what it was in the past, the future of forensic accounting depends on its integration with modern accounting tools and advanced technologies. This study recommends that the public should be enlightened on the nature of forensic accountants’ services. Forensic Accountants should have up-to-date knowledge about the current trends in their profession. Keywords: Accounting thought, forensic accountants, forensic accounting tools, professionals, technological skill.