Forensic Accountant

Feeblo; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Forensic Accountant to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg. This role involves investigating financial discrepancies, fraud, and white-collar crimes, combining accounting expertise with advanced digital tools. You will analyze financial records, trace illicit transactions, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in accounting principles, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to ethical integrity. If you're passionate about uncovering financial misconduct and making a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is mandatory.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, GAAP, and auditing standards.

Responsibilities

• Investigate financial discrepancies and fraud cases.
• Prepare forensic reports and serve as an expert witness.

Skills

Fraud Investigation

Financial Crime Analysis

Digital Forensics

Data Analytics

Attention to Detail

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Ethical Integrity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Completed SAICA / SAIPA articles

Tools

Nuix

Relativity

Chainalysis

CipherTrace

ACL

IDEA

Tableau

SQL

Python

Power BI

Job description

Forensic Accountant 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).

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).

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).

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.

Insurance & Corporate Investigations

• Validate insurance claims for fraud.
• Conduct due diligence for M&A transactions.
• Investigate pyramid schemes and Ponzi frauds.

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)