Forensic Accountant - Fraud Investigation Specialist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid plan

Provident fund

Professional development support

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a seasoned Forensic Accountant for a prominent professional services firm in Sandton, Gauteng. The role blends client-facing investigations with on-site work and remote flexibility within a hybrid model.

You will lead complex financial investigations, quantify losses, and provide expert testimony when needed, contributing to high-profile cases and corporate integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CA(SA), ACCA, CIA or CFE preferred with forensic credentials.
• 6-8 years of experience in forensic accounting or fraud investigations.
• Proven experience in financial investigations and damages quantification.
• Knowledge of fraud schemes, money laundering, and white-collar crime.
• Familiarity with legal procedures and expert witness requirements.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and forensic software.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• High integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple complex cases in a hybrid setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic accounting investigations into fraud and irregularities.
• Analyze financial data and transaction trails to identify discrepancies.
• Quantify financial losses and prepare detailed reports.
• Assist in asset tracing and recovery efforts.
• Provide expert witness testimony when required.
• Collaborate with legal counsel, law enforcement, and stakeholders.
• Develop fraud prevention strategies and internal control recommendations.
• Prepare forensic accounting reports and client presentations.
• Conduct due diligence reviews and background checks.
• Stay abreast of trends in financial crime and legislation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Report writing

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Forensic accounting software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading professional services firm with a robust practice in Sandton, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced Forensic Accountant to join their specialized investigations team. This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment, blending essential client-facing and investigative work on-site with the flexibility of remote working arrangements. The Forensic Accountant will be responsible for conducting complex financial investigations, identifying fraud, quantifying financial losses, and providing expert testimony when required. We are looking for a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional with exceptional investigative skills and a deep understanding of financial crime and dispute resolution. This is a significant opportunity to engage in high-profile cases and contribute to justice and corporate integrity within a prestigious firm located in Sandton, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic accounting investigations into allegations of fraud, financial misconduct, and other irregularities.
• Analyze complex financial data, accounting records, and transaction trails to identify discrepancies and evidence of wrongdoing.
• Quantify financial losses resulting from fraudulent activities and prepare detailed reports.
• Assist in asset tracing and recovery efforts.
• Provide expert witness testimony in legal proceedings, if required.
• Collaborate with legal counsel, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders during investigations.
• Develop and implement fraud prevention strategies and internal control recommendations.
• Prepare detailed forensic accounting reports and presentations for clients and legal teams.
• Conduct due diligence reviews and background checks.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in financial crime, forensic accounting techniques, and relevant legislation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A professional qualification such as CA(SA), ACCA, or CIA is highly preferred, along with specialized forensic accounting certifications (e.g., CFE).
• A minimum of 6-8 years of experience in forensic accounting, fraud investigation, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting financial investigations, analyzing complex data, and quantifying damages.
• In-depth knowledge of fraud schemes, money laundering, and white-collar crime.
• Familiarity with legal procedures and expert witness requirements.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and forensic accounting software.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong report writing and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
• Must be comfortable working in a hybrid environment with regular on-site presence in Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, commensurate with expertise and experience.
• Benefits include a comprehensive medical aid plan, a provident fund, and generous professional development support.
• Enjoy the dynamic environment of forensic investigations and client advisory services within a leading firm in Sandton, Gauteng , with the added benefit of a hybrid work model.
• This role offers significant career growth opportunities and the chance to work on challenging and impactful cases.