Accounting & Tax
Forensic Accounting
Independent investigation, quantification and expert evidence for contested matters — delivered by partners who understand both the accounting complexity and the legal standards the work must meet.
Forensic Accounting
Independent financial investigation and expert evidence for litigation, disputes and investigations.
Overview
How we help.
Forensic accounting is the discipline of applying accounting, auditing and investigative skills to matters that end up in contested proceedings — commercial disputes, shareholder oppression claims, fraud investigations, insurance claims, regulatory inquiries and family law proceedings. It requires both the technical depth of a senior accountant and the procedural discipline of an expert witness.
Corson Fiske’s forensic accounting practice is led by partners who have given expert evidence in Australian courts and tribunals. Our work is delivered to the standards required by the Harmonised Expert Witness Code of Conduct and the Federal Court’s expert evidence practice note. Reports are structured to withstand scrutiny — not just from the instructing party, but from opposing experts, cross-examining counsel and the court itself.
Because our forensic work sits inside an integrated advisory firm, we can draw on tax, restructuring, corporate finance and legal colleagues when the matter requires it. Forensic accounting questions rarely stay neatly within a single discipline, and our structure reflects that reality.
Capabilities
- Expert reports for commercial litigation
- Fraud investigation and asset tracing
- Shareholder oppression and minority claims
- Business interruption and insurance claims
- Economic loss quantification
- Transaction reconstruction and forensic review
- Regulatory and internal investigations
- Family law financial investigations
- Expert determination and arbitration support
- Cross-examination preparation for other experts
Industries we focus on
Our forensic practice has particular depth in sectors where the financial complexity rewards senior attention: professional services, technology and software, manufacturing, construction and development, wholesale and distribution, and family-held businesses where shareholder and succession disputes are most common.
Client Situations
When clients engage us.
The moments that trigger forensic engagements are usually specific and often urgent.
A commercial dispute is heading to court
A matter is progressing toward litigation and independent quantification of loss or damage is required for pleadings, mediation or hearing.
Fraud or misappropriation is suspected
Unexplained losses, unusual transactions or whistleblower allegations have surfaced and independent investigation is required.
A shareholder dispute has escalated
Minority shareholders are alleging oppression or seeking relief under s 232 of the Corporations Act. Independent financial analysis is needed.
An insurance claim is being prepared or contested
A business interruption or professional indemnity claim requires independent quantification to support or respond to the insurer’s position.
Outcomes
What you can expect.
- Expert reports that meet the Harmonised Code of Conduct
- Defensible quantification that withstands cross-examination
- Clear presentation of complex financial issues for non-accountants
- Independent findings delivered to the court, not the instructing party
Why Corson Fiske
Expert evidence that holds up in court.
Forensic accounting is unlike any other accounting work. The audience is the court, not the client. The standard is independence, not client advocacy. And the test of quality is whether the report and the oral evidence survive cross-examination by experienced commercial counsel. Our partners have been through that test personally.
Every forensic engagement is partner-led from instruction through to hearing — including oral evidence where required. We do not hand files down to junior staff because the Harmonised Code of Conduct does not permit it. And our integrated firm structure means tax, legal and restructuring colleagues are part of the same conversation when the matter spans disciplines.
Need independent forensic analysis?
Confidential initial consultations with a partner who has given expert evidence in contested proceedings.