Forensic Accountant - Legal Investigations

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a highly skilled Forensic Accountant for a fully remote role focused on supporting legal investigations primarily in South Africa. You will uncover financial misconduct, fraud, and irregularities through meticulous analysis and present findings clearly in legal contexts.

The ideal candidate brings CA(SA) or CPA with forensic certification, at least 6 years of experience, and proficiency with IDEA, ACL and advanced Excel.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification (CA(SA) or CPA) with specialized forensic training (CFE or CPA(Forensic)).
• Minimum of 6 years in forensic accounting, fraud investigations, or litigation support.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth forensic accounting investigations into financial fraud and related crimes.
• Analyze complex financial data and transaction trails to identify misconduct.
• Prepare detailed forensic reports and provide expert witness testimony for legal proceedings.
• Assist counsel with case strategies by delivering financial insights.
• Quantify losses and reconstruct incomplete financial records.
• Perform data analytics using specialized forensic software.
• Interview management, employees and third parties to gather information.

Skills

Forensic accounting

Analytical thinking

Expert testimony

Independent work

Education

CA(SA)

CPA

Forensic certification (CFE / CPA(Forensic))

Tools

IDEA

ACL

Excel Advanced

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading forensic accounting and litigation support firm, is seeking a highly skilled Forensic Accountant to join their dedicated team. This is a remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere within South Africa , with a specific focus on supporting legal investigations primarily in the Eastern Cape region. You will be instrumental in uncovering financial misconduct, fraud, and irregularities through meticulous analysis. This role requires a unique blend of accounting expertise, investigative skills, and the ability to present complex financial evidence clearly in legal contexts. We are looking for an independent, detail-oriented professional who can manage sensitive investigations and deliver credible findings. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned forensic accountant to leverage their skills on challenging legal cases without the constraint of a fixed office location.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth forensic accounting investigations into financial fraud, asset misappropriation, and other financial crimes.
• Analyze complex financial data, accounting records, and transaction trails to identify discrepancies and patterns of misconduct.
• Prepare detailed forensic accounting reports, findings, and expert witness testimony for legal proceedings.
• Assist legal counsel in developing case strategies by providing critical financial insights.
• Quantify financial losses and damages resulting from fraudulent activities.
• Reconstruct incomplete or corrupted financial records.
• Perform data analytics and utilize specialized forensic accounting software.
• Interview relevant parties, including management, employees, and third parties, to gather information.
• Ensure all investigative procedures comply with legal and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies as required.

Requirements

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CA(SA), CPA) with specialized training or certification in forensic accounting (e.g., CFE, CPA(Forensic)).
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in forensic accounting, fraud investigation, or litigation support.
• Proven ability to analyze complex financial information and present findings clearly and concisely.
• Experience in giving expert witness testimony in court or arbitration proceedings.
• Proficiency in forensic accounting software and data analysis tools (e.g., IDEA, ACL, Excel Advanced).
• Strong understanding of South African company law, insolvency law, and criminal procedure related to financial crimes.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet strict deadlines.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and analytical rigor.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within South Africa if required for specific investigations or court appearances.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to work from your preferred location across South Africa .
• Our client provides a highly competitive fee structure or salary, reflecting the specialized nature of forensic accounting and the critical support provided to legal cases.
• You will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of challenging and high-profile investigations.
• Access to cutting-edge forensic technology and resources will be provided.
• Continuous professional development opportunities are supported.
• This role offers significant autonomy and the chance to make a substantial impact on important legal matters across various industries.
• You will be joining a respected network of forensic experts.