Breakwater Accounting Advisors LLP

Forensic Accounting and Investigation

We determine if there really is a problem and present the facts in a clear, concise manner

In this environment of increased regulation and the requirements for additional anti-fraud controls in many public companies, concerns relating to fraud and wrongdoing are brought forward to executives and board members in the normal course of business.

In many cases there is significant value in retaining the services of a forensic accounting professional to bring clarity to the issue and determine if there is really a problem that warrants a full investigation. The value of an external advisor can be maximized where there is a need to:

Maintain independence from operations
Maintain confidentiality through client solicitor privilege either through external or internal counsel
Obtain forensic accounting and investigative skill sets not currently available within the organization
Consider the potential for civil or criminal proceedings that may require expert testimony

Fraud Audit

Breakwater’s forensic services team will not jump to conclusions that a costly investigation is required. Rather, we will undertake prudent procedures to assist management in determining if there is really a problem that requires further investigation. Where an individual or company is suspected of wrongdoing, it is imperative that evidence be obtained to support the need for future examination. This process ensures fairness in determining whether allegations or concerns are substantiated. Breakwaters’s Fraud Audit services will assess the likelihood of whether fraud has occurred and, where indicated, obtain evidence to support the initiation of targeted forensic procedures.

Forensic Investigation

Where one or many fraud scenarios are found to be in play, Breakwater’s Forensic Services team will utilize their advanced training in forensic accounting, data analysis, investigative interviewing, and computer forensics to bring clarity to the situation in a manner that will support management’s objectives. Our findings are then presented in a clear and easy to understand report to support decision making by management or legal resources.

Control Remediation

One defining feature of Breakwater’s fraud risk services team is that we see “reporting what happened” as only a piece of the puzzle. Where required, we can also utilize our experience and expertise in the design of anti-fraud control processes to address any identified control weaknesses through the implementation of cost effective control solutions. This ability is what sets us apart from many of our competitors in the forensic accounting and investigative services industry.