Forensic Accounting And Its Relevance In Tanzania A Case Of National Audit Office

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relevance of forensic accounting in Tanzania at the National Audit Office (NAO) in Dar es Salaam. The study sought to find out areas which forensic accounting expertise may be applied and examined the extent of the applicability of forensic accounting. Further, the study sought to determine the challenges facing account professionals in the application of forensic accounting in the country. The study employed holistic descriptive case study methodology by taking the National Audit Office as a case. Data analysis techniques employed were essentially qualitative and involved pattern matching, comparison and explanation building. The study findings revealed that the areas in which NAO uses forensic accounting are litigation and investigating services. Other areas found to employ the technique according documentary review are reported to be as many as are the different forms of economic crimes being perpetrated. In addition, it has been uncovered that forensic accounting is applicable in the country in both protection and detection of fraud. Principally, the study recommends institutionalization of legal framework that will guide application of forensic accounting in the country. It is also recommended to enact legislation that will be geared towards protecting whistle blowers against retaliation from suspects