EFFECT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING SKILLS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT FRAUD OF LISTED CONGLOMERATE FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Given the requirement for transparency, the growing importance of forensic accounting in the private sector cannot be overstated. The need for fraud detection in businesses has grown due to the rise in financial fraud. This study looks at how forensic accounting skills affects financial statement fraud in Nigerian selected conglomerates companies in Nigeria. The four Nigerian corporations situated in Jos, Plateau State made up the study's sample size. The primary data source was used. Data were gathered using a well-structured Likert scale questionnaire on Google Form from the internal control, audit, and finance professionals of the organizations. Out of the 100 questionnaires distributed to participants, 97 were successfully completed and returned. Multiple regression and descriptive statistics were the statistical methods employed in the examination of the data gathered examination. STATA 15 was used as an analysis tool to process the data. According to the study, financial statement fraud detection is positively and significantly influenced by forensic accounting investigations and accounting record analysis, whereas financial statement fraud detection is positively and marginally influenced by accounting record analysis. The study came to the conclusion that financial statement fraud detection in Nigerian conglomerate corporations is positively and significantly impacted by forensic accounting expertise. The study suggested that, in order to reduce illicit financial activities, forensic accountants' services should be retained in the companies as an independent company.