TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page………………………………………………………………………………………………………………I
Approval page………………………………………………………………………………………………………II
Declaration page………………………………………………………………………………………………….III
Dedication page……………………………………………………………………………………………………IV
Certification page…………………………………………………………………………………………………..V
Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………………………………..VI
Table of contents………………………………………………………………………………………………….VII
List of table…………………………………………………………………………………………………………XII
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………….………….XIV
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study……………………………………………………………………………….1
1.2 Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………………………5
1.3 Objectives of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………6
1.4 Research Questions………………………………………………………………………………………6
1.5 Statement of research Hypothesis………………………………………………………………….7
1.6 Significance of the study……………………………………………………………………………….8
1.7 Scope of the Study……………………………………………………………………………………….8
1.8 Limitations of the study………………………………………………………………………………..9
1.9 Organization structure of the study………………………………………………………………..9
1.10 Operational definition of Terms………………………………………………………………….10
Chapter Two: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………….11
ix
2.2 conceptual framework……………………………………………………………………………….11
2.2.1 Fraud and errors……………………………………………………………………………………….11
2.2.2 Types of fraud…………………………………………………………………………………………..12
2.2.3 Causes of fraud…………………………………………………………………………………………13
2.2.4 Factors influencing the existence of fraud and errors…………………………………….14
2.2.5 Why people commit fraud………………………………………………………………………….14
2.2.6 Forensic accounting………………………………………………………………………16
2.2.7 Evolution of forensic accounting…………………………………………………………16
2.2.8 Characteristics and skills of a forensic accountant………………………………………..20
2.2.9 Significances and relevance of forensic accountant………….………………….23
2.2.10 Forensic accounting objective……………….…………………………………….24
2.2.11 Forensic accounting technique………………….……..…………………….…..25
2.2.11.1 Interview technique ……………………………….……………………………25
2.2.11.2 Data mining with computers …………………………………….………..…….26
2.2.11.3 Document review strategy …………………………………..…………….…… 27
2.2.12 Advantages and disadvantages of forensic accounting………….………..…..…28
2.2.12.1 Advantages of forensic accounting…………………….…………….….…..….28
2.2.12.2 Disadvantages of forensic accounting..………………..……………………..…29
2.3 Theoretical framework….……………………………………………………….……30
2.3.1 Fraud triangle theory………..…………………………………………………….…30
2.3.2. White collar crime …………….……………………………………………………31
2.3.3 Fraud diamond theory……………….…………………………….………………..32
2.4 Empirical Review………..………………….………………………………..……….33
Chapter Three: Methodology
3.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 49
x
3.1 Research design…………………………………………………………………………………………49
3.2 Research Population…………………………………………………………………………………..49
3.3 Sample and sampling Techniques……………………………………………………………….50
3.4 Research instrument…………………………………………………………………………………50
3.5 Validity and Reliability Research Instrument………………………………………………50
3.6 Data Collection Technique……………………………………………………………………….50
3.7 Data Analysis Techniques………………………………………………………………………..51
Chapter Four: Data Presentation and Analysis
4.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………..52
4.2 Analysis of data collected……………………………………………………………………….52
4.2.1 Analysis of demographic characteristics of respondents…………………………….52
4.2.2 Analysis of data……………………………………….………………….…….58
4.2.3 Examining the possibility of detecting the occurrence of financial fraud cases…
…………………….…………………………………………………………….58
4.2.4 Evaluating the extent of the influence of forensic accountant in financial fraud
control…………………………………………………………………….……..61
4.2.5 Investigating the adequacy of internal control system of the company……..…64
4.2.6 Ascertaining the difference between forensic accountant and external
auditors…………………………………………………………………………66
4.2.7 Ascertaining the contribution of forensic accounting to improving the quality of financial
reporting……………..…………………………………………………….……68
4.2.8 Analysis of chi square statistical test……………………………………………70
xi
4.2.8.1 Test of hypothesis one………………………………………………………….70
4.2.8.2 Test of hypothesis two…………………………………………………………73
4.2.8.3 Test of hypothesis three…………………………………………………………75
4.2.8.4 Test of hypothesis four………………………………………………………….77
4.2.8.5 Test of hypothesis five…………………………………………………………..79
4.3 Description of research instrument used……………………………………………80
4.4 Summary of data analysis…………………………………………………………..81
Chapter Five: Summary, conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Summary of Findings……………………………………………………………………………….82
5.2 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………83
5.3 Recommendations…………………………………………………………………………………….84
5.4 contribution to knowledge and Suggestions for Further Studies……………………..85
References………………………………………………………………………………………………………….86
Appendix one……………………………………………………………………………………………………..89
Appendix two ……………………………………………………………………………..90
xii
LIST OF TABLES
TABLES TITLE OF TABLES PAGES
4.1 name of organization 52
4.2 Gender distribution of the respondent 53
4.3 Marital status of the respondent 54
4.4 Age distribution of the respondent 55
4.5 Academic qualification of respondent 56
4.6 Professional qualification 56
4.7 Distribution of years of services 57
4.8 Departments of respondents 58
4.9 Management level of respondent 58
4.10-
4.13
Examining the possibility of detecting the occurrence of financial fraud
cases
58-60
4.14-
4.17
Evaluating the extent of the influence of forensic accountant in financial
fraud control
60-62
4.18-
4.21
Investigating the adequacy of internal control system of the company 62-64
4.22-
4.25
Ascertaining the difference between forensic accountant and external
auditors
64-66
4.26-
4.29
Ascertaining the contribution of forensic accounting to improving the
quality of financial reporting
66-68
4.30-
4.32
Examining the possibility of detecting the occurrence of financial fraud
cases for chi-square analysis for hypothesis one
68-70
4.33 Chi-square test for hypothesis one 70
4.34-
4.36
Evaluating the extent of the influence of forensic accountant in financial
fraud control for chi-square analysis for hypothesis two
70-72
4.37 Chi-square test for hypothesis two 73
4.38-
4.40
Investigating the adequacy of internal control system of the company for
chi-square analysis for hypothesis three
73-75
xiii
4.41 Chi-square test for hypothesis three 75
4.42-
4.44
Ascertaining the difference between forensic accountant and external
auditors for chi-square analysis for hypothesis four
75-77
4.45 Chi-square test for hypothesis four 78
4.46-
4.48
Ascertaining the contribution of forensic accounting to improving the
quality of financial reporting for chi-square analysis for hypothesis five
79-80
4.49 Chi-square test for hypothesis five 81
xiv
ABSTRACT
The study examined the role of forensic accountant as a panacea to fraud detection adopting
some selected quoted companies in Nigeria as my case study. The study aimed at investigating
how fraud can be detected and controlled in companies as well as how the internal control
system and financial reporting quality can be improved in companies through the forensic
accountant. Samples were drawn from the employees of Julius Berger plc, PZ Nigeria plc and
UAC foods plc in five departments of the companies using convenience non-probability sampling
method. The hypotheses formulated were tested using chi-square test. From the analysis carried
out, it was found out that the forensic accountant can detect fraudulent activities in companies as
well as control the activities. The study thus concludes that in other for companies to reduce
their rate of financial irregularities and be financially efficient, the need for a forensic
accountant is important.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Financial irregularity is a big problem globally and it is of a great concern to the developing
nations. Financial irregularities are so common and serious that fraud and corruptions is
gradually becoming a way of life and almost every individual cannot be free or clean of it.
Individuals get involved in fraud and corrupt practices according to their capacity of office. No
money is entirely free as every naira and kobo has it legal use which consequently means that
any form of misuse will negatively have an effect on where it ought to be used. This effect can
be direct or indirect on companies or the nation at large. Individuals and companies affected
negatively by the fraudulent and corrupt act will want to seek redress by using different
institutions such as the police and the law court. Hence whatsoever an investigator wishes to do
will not be complete if the extent to which the affected companies are not quantified. This and
other pecuniary areas are where the service of the expert “forensic accountant” is being engaged
in for a long time worldwide and recently in Nigeria.
Forensic accounting evolved as a result of certain emerging fraud related cases. Forensic
accounting encapsulates all other investigation related areas in uncovering financial fraud. It is
referred to as the tripartite practice of utilizing auditing, accounting and investigative skill to
assist in legal matters. Modugu & Anyaduba (2013). According to Okoye & Gbegi( 2013),
forensic accounting is an engagement that results from actual or anticipated dispute or litigation.
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It is an investigative style of accounting used to determine whether an individual or a company
has engaged in any illegal financial activity. Forensic accounting can therefore be seen as an
aspect of accounting that is suitable for legal review and offering the highest level of assurance.
Apostolous & Weber (2000). Forensic accounting is the application of financial skills and
investigative mentality to unsettled issues, conducted within the context of the rule of evidence.
Arokiasamy & Cristal (2009). Forensic accounting as a discipline encompasses fraud knowledge,
financial expertise, and a sound knowledge and understanding of business reality and the
working of the legal system. Forensic accounting may be one of the most effective and efficient
way to decrease and check accounting fraud. Forensic accounting is described as the integration
of an individual’s accounting and auditing knowledge with investigative skills that have been
gained from years of practical experience. It is the means by which the forensic accountant
carefully examine instructions given by a client, usually through a solicitor, thoroughly
investigate those instructions and the underlying circumstances, examine the financial
information and any relevant contracts and other agreements, obtain appropriate evidence,
prepare any appropriate calculations, form a conclusion and publish the whole in the form of a
report suitable for presentation to the court. Forensic accounting consist of two major component
which are litigation service that recognizes the accountant as an expert consultant and the
investigative services that uses the forensic accountant skill and require court room testimony.
The increasing sophistication of financial fraud requires that forensic accounting be added to the
tools necessary to bring successful investigation and prosecution of those involved in criminal
activities. The focus of this study is to examine the role of forensic accountants in detection of
fraud in Nigerian companies.
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1.1.1 Historical Background of Case Study-Julius Berger Plc, PZ Nigeria Plc and UAC
Nigeria Plc.
Julius Berger Plc: The foundation of Julius Berger began in 1965 when a contract to construct
the Eko Bridge in lagos state was awarded to it. This was the foundation of Julius Berger
commitment to Nigeria following the initial project, the company began to diversify its portfolio
and it growth started to run in parallel to the development of Nigeria. In 1970, Julius Berger legal
structure was changed into a limited company, later to be transferred into a public limited
company listed in the Nigeria stock exchange in 1991. Throughout this time, the role in the
development was so evolving, proven to be a company that consistently delivered reliable
solution, Julius Berger became a pivotal partner in the building of the country‟s fledging
industrial and civil infrastructure, and also a key collaborator in the development of Nigeria‟s
new capital Abuja.
Today, Julius Berger maintained it role as an integral part in Nigeria‟s construction industry,
laying the foundation of the country economic progress and development. Julius Berger head
office is located in Abuja FCT with additional permanent locations in Lagos and Uyo. The
company is also represented across the nation in structural engineering and infrastructure works
and in southern Nigeria through oil and gas industry project. Currently, Julius Berger board of
director is comprised of thirteen members, nine non-executive directors one of whom is an
independent director and four executive directors. Developing of complex infrastructure is a key
element in Julius Berger core competence. Countless bridges, road system, traffic network and
airport among others are been constructed by them.
4
PZ Nigeria Plc: PZ Nigeria plc was founded by Paterson Zochonis (PZ), in 1899 PZ is basically
a company that engages in the manufacturing of a lot of product ranging from beverages to
household cleaning agent and a whole lot of product. The company‟s brand portfolio includes
some of the following Nunu milk, Imperial leather soap, Olympic milk, Coast milk. In 1948, PZ
acquired its first soap factory and alongside entered into detergent making and the refrigerator
market. In 1975, the company acquired the Cussons group ltd and then changed the name to PZ
Cussons Ltd in 2002. PZ Cussons Nigeria plc is the largest subsidiary of the PZ Cussons global
group. The company has enjoyed tremendous business success in Nigeria for over a century.
This company has twelve members as board of directors of which six are executives and they
include Mr. Christos Giannopoulos, Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti, Mr. Adewale Raji, Mr David Petzer,
Mr Alex Goma, and Ms Joyce Coker. And the non-executive directors include Professor
Emmanuel Edarien, Mr. Tunde Oyelola, Mr. Muhammed Hayatu, Mr. Lawal Bartagarama and
Mrs. Elizabeth Ebi. PZ manufactures the following product among others; Carex soap, Joy soap,
Robb, Morning fresh, Robert antiseptic, and many others.
UAC Nigeria Plc: United African Company (UAC) of Nigeria plc is a leading diversified
company, operating in foods and beverage, real estate, paints and logistics sectors of the
economy. UAC has remained a foremost and active participant in Nigeria‟s economic landscape
since 1879. The company‟s brand portfolios includes leading brands such as gala sausage roll,
Mr. Biggs, snaps, fun time coconut chips, supreme ice-cream, Delite fruit juice, swam natural
spring water, gossy warm spring water, Dulux, grand soya oil and grand coconut oil, vital feeds,
livestock feed band sandtex. UAC has evolved into a holding company with strong regional and
5
international partnership in a bid to enhance sustainable growth. The partnership are: UAC food
limited, a business partnership between brands limited holding 49% of the equity and UAC
controlling 51%: MDS logistics ltd, a joint venture with imperial logistic, which holds 49%
equity with UAC holdings the majority stake of 51%: UAC restaurant ltd, where famous brands
holds 49% of the equity, while UAC holds the remaining 51%. UAC also operate successful
joint venture in the real estate business and technical collaboration in its paint business.
1.2. Statement of the problem
In recent times, various frauds have been committed in different companies, corporate
organization in private sector as well as the public sector economy. Okoye & Akamobi (2009),
Owojori & Asaolu(2009), Izedonmi & Mgbame (2011), Kasum(2009) as cited by Modugu &
Anyaduba (2013) have all acknowledged in their separate works that there is an increasing rate
of fraud and fraudulent practices in Nigeria and financial irregularities have become the order of
the day in Nigeria. The independence of the internal auditor is of no guarantee because the
auditor works as an employee of the company while the independence of most external auditors
has already been impaired and does not sufficiently provide a guarantee any more. Irrespective
of the presence of both internal and external auditors in companies, fraud is still being
perpetuated on a daily basis. As there are more and more development in the information
communication technology (ICT) world and other field, so fraudsters continue to groom their
tactics towards fraudulent practices. It is now important that forensic accounting is introduced
and practiced since external auditors do not or may not have the required training to be able to
tackle modern day fraud like white collar crime such as security fraud, embezzlement,
bankruptcies, contract dispute and criminal financial transaction; including money laundry by
6
organized criminals. These areas have become a complex area of concern for the accounting
profession. Although, there is a general expectation that the forensic accountant can be able to
curtail financial irregularities experienced in several companies. However, there has not been any
emphasis on a specific way on how the forensic accountant can totally curb financial crime.
Thus, the study seeks to fill this gap by providing answers to the following research questions.
1.3. Objectives of the study
The broad objective of the study is to evaluate the role of forensic accountant on detecting
financial fraud in Nigerian quoted companies
The specific objectives of the study are to:
i. Examine the possibility of detecting the occurrence of financial fraud through forensic
accounting
ii. Evaluate the effectiveness of forensic accounting in financial fraud control.
iii. Identify the predisposing factors that ensure the improvement in financial reporting
quality.
iv. Investigate the adequacy of internal control system of selected companies.
v. Ascertain the difference between forensic accountant and external auditors
1.4. Research Questions
This study aims at providing answers to the following highlighted questions based on the
research objectives.
i. How does forensic accounting effectively detect the occurrence of financial fraud?
7
ii. To what extent is forensic accounting effective in the control of financial fraud?
iii. How does forensic accounting effectively help in improving financial reporting quality?
iv. How can the forensic accounting ensure improved internal control system?
v. What are the significant difference between forensic accountant and external auditors?
1.5. Statement of Research Hypotheses
The following are the hypotheses formulated to guide the research work.
Hypothesis No.1:
H0: The use of forensic accountant does not significantly reduce the occurrence of
financial fraud.
H1: The use of forensic accounting can significantly reduce the occurrence of financial
fraud.
Hypothesis No.2:
H0: There is no significant relationship between forensic accounting and financial fraud
control in listed selected companies.
H1: There is a significant relationship between forensic accounting and financial fraud
control in listed selected companies.
Hypothesis No.3:
H0: There is no significant relationship between forensic accounting and improved
financial reporting quality.
H1: There is a significant relationship between forensic accounting and improved
financial reporting quality.
Hypothesis No.4:
8
H0: Forensic accounting does not enhance the internal control system of selected
companies.
H1: Forensic accounting does enhance the internal control system of selected companies.
Hypothesis No.5:
H0: There is no significant difference between professional forensic accountant and the
traditional external auditor.
H1: There is a significant difference between professional forensic accountant and the
traditional external auditor.
1.6. Significance of the study
This study will be of relevance to various persons and organization as follows:
Management: This study will be useful to management of companies in order for them to
know the appropriate measures to take in preventing fraud as well as the need for a
forensic accountant
Researchers: Researchers will find it helpful in knowing the relevant areas and issues to
look at to ensure that forensic accounting is pivotal in the Nigerian economy.
The study will also prove useful as a platform for further research work.
1.7. Scope of the study
1.7.1. Sample size
The study involves a sample of three (3) quoted companies listed in the Nigeria stock exchange
made up of one Construction Company and two companies involved in food and beverages.
9
1.7.2. Time horizon and Geographical coverage
The structured questionnaires are administered at the Abuja branch of the selected companies.
The target respondents are staff members of the companies‟ finance and accounts department.
The study period is 2015.
1.8. Limitation of the study
One major constraint to the study is the time range to conduct the study as well as financial
constraints. Also sample size forms a constraint in this study as only three quoted companies are
considered in this study out of the vast number of companies listed in the Nigerian stock
exchange and the findings of the entire companies may not be represented. Thus, generalizations
of findings will be highly restricted.
1.9. Organizational structure of the study
The study comprises of five chapters. Chapter one consists of the introduction, statement of the
problem, objectives of the study, research questions, research hypotheses, scope and limitation of
the study, significances of the study and definition of terms. Chapter two consists of the
conceptual clarification in which relevant concepts were explained; theoretical framework n
which relevant theories were also considered and the empirical review. Chapter three presents
the research methodology used for the study with information on the research design used, the
study population, sampling and sampling technique, research instruments, validity and reliability
of research instruments, data collection technique and data analysis technique used in the study.
Chapter four shows the analysis and presentation of data gathered for the study it also includes
10
testing of formulated hypotheses. Chapter five showed the summary of findings, conclusions,
recommendations and suggestions for further studies.
1.10 Operational definition of terms
Fraud: this is an intentional act by one or more individuals among management
employees, or third parties, which results in a misrepresentation of financial statement.
Forensic Accounting: it can be defined as the integration of accounting, auditing and
investigative skills that provides accounting analysis which is suitable to the court and
also from the basis for discussion, debate, and ultimately dispute resolution.
Internal Control: Committee of Sponsoring Organization (COSO) (2003) defined
Internal Control as a process, effected by an entity‟s board of directors, management, and
other personnel, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of
objectives in the following categories; (a) effectiveness and efficiency of operations; (b)
reliability of financial reporting; (c) compliance with laws and regulations.
White collar-crime: Edwin Sutherland in 1939 defines it as “a crime committed by a
person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation. It is a
financially motivated nonviolent crime committed for illegal monetary gain.
FBI: federal bureau of investigation
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