Andrew Ross, Partner in our Forensic group spoke with INTHEBLACK recently about the changing role of forensic accountants and expert witnesses in modern business.
Andrew observed that over time an awareness has developed that accountants can act in a consulting role, providing expertise and assistance to lawyers to help them settle matters outside the court room. He estimates that today "over 90 per cent of the engagements he is involved in settle before expert evidence is required." However, he went on to explain that there will always be a need for expert witnesses "While a judge is clearly educated, he or she cannot be expected to be expert in all areas of accounting. Being able to explain complex concepts simply is at the heart of being an expert witness."
To read the full article go to CPA Australia's INTHEBLACK microsite at: https://www.intheblack.com/articles/2017/06/01/accountant-as-expert-witness
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