What Does a Forensic Accountant Do?
A forensic accountant investigates financial information and explains it for people who need to rely on it: courts, solicitors, businesses and individuals. In practice that means tracing where money went, working out how much was lost or gained, finding and evidencing fraud, and giving an independent, professional opinion - including, when a case goes to court, acting as an expert witness. 'Forensic' means the work is done to a standard that can be used as evidence.
Forensic accountants may also become involved where there are concerns about fraud, suspicious transactions, or other forms of financial misconduct. In serious cases, these matters may overlap with wider financial crime investigations handled by specialist authorities in Ireland.
Most people meet the term 'forensic accountant' for the first time when they have a problem - a suspected fraud, a business dispute, a divorce, a figure they need to challenge. This guide answers the question that comes before every enquiry: what does a forensic accountant actually do?
The work, in plain terms
- 1 Following the money
Tracing transactions through accounts and records to establish what actually happened.
- 2 Quantifying
Putting a defensible figure on a loss, a gain, a disputed value or the money owed.
- 3 Detecting and evidencing fraud
Identifying it, documenting it, and presenting the evidence clearly.
- 4 Explaining
Turning complex financial detail into a clear account that a non-accountant can understand and rely on.
- 5 Giving expert evidence
Where a matter reaches court, providing an independent expert report and testimony.
When would you hire one?
| Situation | How a forensic accountant helps |
|---|---|
| Suspected fraud or theft in a business | Investigates, quantifies the loss and evidences it for insurers, gardaí or court |
| Business or shareholder dispute | Establishes the true financial position and values the disputed interest independently |
| Separation or divorce | Analyses financial disclosure, values businesses and identifies undisclosed assets or income |
| A court case involving money | Provides an independent expert report and gives evidence as an expert witness |
| An insurance claim for financial loss | Calculates the loss on a basis that will withstand challenge |
Can you hire a forensic accountant directly?
Yes. Businesses and individuals can engage a forensic accountant directly, and solicitors frequently instruct one on a client's behalf for litigation. Either way, the engagement begins with a confidential conversation about the issue, followed by a scoped, written proposal. You do not need a court case to justify it - many forensic engagements are about establishing the facts privately so a dispute can be settled without going to court.
What does it cost?
There is no standard price, because forensic work ranges from a focused review to a full multi-year investigation. The fee depends on the complexity of the matter and the state of the records. What we can promise is transparency: after an initial consultation we set out a written proposal - what is included, how long it will take and what it will cost - and where an investigation runs in stages, we scope and price each stage as we go.
Why use a chartered forensic accountant?
Because the value of forensic work is its credibility. A chartered forensic accountant brings professional standards, independence and standing that courts, regulators and opposing parties recognise. McManus McCabe is a chartered practice with a combined 50 years in the profession see our forensic accounting service for the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does a forensic accountant do?
They investigate and explain financial information for disputes, fraud and litigation - tracing transactions, quantifying losses, evidencing fraud and giving independent expert opinions, including expert-witness evidence in court. -
Can you hire a forensic accountant privately?
Yes. Individuals and businesses can engage one directly, and solicitors often instruct one for a client. You do not need to be in court - much forensic work establishes the facts privately to help settle a matter. -
How much does a forensic accountant cost?
It varies with the complexity of the case and the records available, so there is no fixed price. We provide a written proposal after an initial consultation and scope staged investigations stage by stage. -
Is a forensic accountant the same as an auditor?
No. An auditor gives an opinion on whether financial statements are true and fair; a forensic accountant investigates a specific question - a fraud, a loss, a dispute - and produces evidence and an expert opinion on it.
Talk to Adrian or Teresa
McManus McCabe is a partner-led chartered accountancy practice in Dublin. Every engagement is handled directly by Adrian McManus (FCCA) or Teresa McCabe (FCA, Dip. Tax) - not passed down a chain - and scoped with a clear, written proposal before any work begins, so you know what it costs, what you get and how long it takes.
Book a confidential, no-obligation consultation to talk through your situation and receive a written quotation.
