Forensic Accountant

Feeblo; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in forensic accounting is seeking a Forensic Accountant to investigate financial misconduct and provide litigation support. The successful candidate will utilize advanced tools for fraud detection and data analysis, while ensuring compliance with relevant laws. You will need a relevant degree and experience in forensic audits, along with certifications that enhance your qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with forensic accounting and fraud detection methods.
• Relevant certifications preferred (CFE, CA(SA)).

Responsibilities

• Investigate fraud and white-collar crimes by analyzing financial records.
• Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Implement anti-fraud programs and compliance measures.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Ethical Integrity

Fraud Detection

Data Analytics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Forensic Accounting, or Finance

Tools

Python

SQL

Tableau

Job description

The Forensic Accountant investigates financial discrepancies, fraud, and white-collar crimes by analyzing financial records, tracing illicit transactions, and providing expert testimony in legal proceedings. This role combines accounting expertise with investigative skills and advanced digital tools to uncover financial misconduct.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fraud Investigation & Financial Crime Analysis

• Detect embezzlement, money laundering, and asset misappropriation .
• Analyze bank statements, invoices, and ledgers for irregularities.
• Investigate insider trading, bribery, and corruption (e.g., under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act ).

2. Litigation Support & Expert Testimony

Prepare forensic reports for court cases (civil and criminal).

Serve as an expert witness in fraud trials.

Quantify economic damages in disputes (breach of contract, insurance claims).

3. Digital Forensics & Data Analytics

Use eDiscovery tools (Nuix, Relativity) to extract financial data.

Trace hidden transactions with blockchain forensic tools (Chainalysis, CipherTrace).

Apply AI-driven anomaly detection (machine learning models).

4. Compliance & Anti-Fraud Programs

Implement anti-fraud controls (whistleblower systems, fraud risk assessments).

Ensure compliance with FICA, POPIA, and King IV Corporate Governance .

Train staff on fraud prevention and ethical practices.

5. Insurance & Corporate Investigations

Validate insurance claims for fraud

Conduct due diligence for M&A transactions

Investigate pyramid schemes and Ponzi frauds

6. Technology & Tools

Forensic Accounting Software : ACL, IDEA, Tableau (for visualization).

Database Querying : SQL, Python (Pandas for financial pattern analysis).

Cryptocurrency Tracking : Tools like Elliptic for crypto fraud cases.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

Accounting & Auditing : IFRS, GAAP, ISA (International Standards on Auditing)

Fraud Schemes : Asset misappropriation, financial statement fraud

Legal Knowledge : South African Companies Act, POCA (Prevention of Organized Crime Act)

Data Analytics : Python, SQL, Power BI (for fraud pattern detection)

Digital Forensics : Computer-assisted audit tools (CAATs), blockchain analysis

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail – Spotting subtle financial discrepancies

Analytical Thinking – Connecting disparate data points

Communication – Simplifying complex findings for courts / clients

Ethical Integrity – Handling sensitive investigations confidentially

Qualifications & Certifications

Mandatory :

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Forensic Accounting, or Finance (BCom, BAcc) .

Completed SAICA / SAIPA articles

Professional Certifications (Highly Valued) :

CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)

CA(SA) (Chartered Accountant)

ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) Membership

CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)