What is the difference between a forensic accountant and an auditor?

Short answer. An auditor gives an opinion on whether financial statements are fairly presented, using sampling and materiality. A forensic accountant answers a specific question, such as where money went or what a loss is worth, and examines the transactions that matter in detail, often for a dispute or investigation.

An audit is designed to give reasonable assurance about the accounts as a whole. It is not designed to find every irregularity.

Forensic work starts from a question and goes as deep as needed to answer it, with findings presented so a lawyer, insurer or court can rely on them.

General information only. It does not take account of your circumstances and is not legal, tax or financial advice.