Posted: 31 / 03 / 2022
I worked for West Yorkshire Police and the North East RART as a forensic accountant for over 20 years.
When I handed in my notice the jokes started that I was going to the dark side, how could I?
For my professional understanding, it was probably the best move I ever made.
Being able to understand both sides of an investigation as to how and why an investigation is conducted in a particular way is an asset to all cases.
It is a very pressured environment to get a result and value matters in a financial crime. High-value crimes come on the radar of the most senior officers. The more experienced officers understand the role of the Forensic Accountant and take into consideration their advice, giving broad instructions, allowing the Forensic Accountant to consider all explanations, enabling the Forensic Accountant to provide a more meaningful report.
Other officers provide very narrow instructions to the Forensic Accountant requiring only figures based on a specific set of circumstances.
Now working in the private sector, having worked within the Police force gives me the experience to know where and how to challenge the figures and the conclusions. I understand the procedures and parameters of the investigation.
Many of the forces do not have Forensic Accountants using Financial Investigators to do the financial work. Some of them not having any accountancy qualification or experience.
Before instructing your Forensic Accountant, make sure you know what experience and qualifications they have.