FORENSIC ACCOUNTING STRATEGIES AND CORPORATE FRAUD DETECTION: THE MODERATING INFLUENCE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

This study investigated the moderating influence of emerging technologies on the relationship between forensic accounting strategies and corporate fraud detection in Nigeria. This study employed the explanatory research design, relying on survey strategy. From the target population of 2,540 active licensed members-in-practice of the firms of the two reputable professional accounting organizations that offer forensic accounting services in Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), a sample size of 346 was chosen at random. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire. The data collected were analysed through Ordinary Least Squares in Multiple Regression Analysis using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 22 and E-view version 12. The study revealed that Fraud detection mechanisms and fraud litigation support services were statistically significant; while, fraud investigation techniques were statistically insignificant. The study also found that, when taken as a whole, emerging technologies significantly moderate corporate fraud detection and forensic accounting strategies. However, on the individual forensic accounting strategies, while the interaction between fraud investigation techniques and emerging technologies showed significant moderating influence on corporate fraud detection; fraud detection mechanisms and fraud litigation support services did not show evidence of moderating influence on forensic accounting strategies and corporate fraud detection. In line with the findings, the study recommended the need for forensic accounting practitioners to always engage in proactive measures in the areas of forensic accounting and emerging technology that will inhibit the menace of fraud and fraud related misconducts in Nigerian business environment.