What is a 'forensic audit'?

A 'forensic audit' refers specifically to an audit that is conducted with the intent of detecting and investigating fraudulent activities. This type of audit often involves examining financial records, transactions, and other relevant documents in a meticulous manner to uncover any irregularities, misrepresentations, or fraudulent behaviors. Forensic auditors are skilled at gathering evidence that can be used in legal proceedings, and their work often intersects with law enforcement and legal considerations.

While other types of audits may focus on different aspects of an organization—such as financial forecasting, compliance, or operational efficiency—they do not have the primary goal of uncovering fraud. Financial forecasting audits aim to predict future financial performance, routine compliance audits verify adherence to regulations or standards, and assessments of operational efficiency evaluate how well an organization utilizes its resources to achieve objectives. Thus, the forensic audit's unique emphasis on detecting fraud differentiates it from these other auditing types.