The Role of Forensic Accounting in Enhancing Audit Quality and Fraud Detection: A Case Study of British American Tobacco (BAT)
David Olanrewaju, AKISANMI
*
Department of Marketing, Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Oluwatosin Emanuel, OLADETAN
Ascenix Consulting Limited, Nigeria.
Kofoworola Rhoda, MUSILIU
Optimal Specialist Hospital, Nigeria.
Grace Toluwalope, OGUNLETI
Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Jacinta Chimuanya, OFFOR
Accounting Department, The Polytechnic Igbo-Owu, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Benjamin TAYLOR
Department of Accounting, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Germany.
Anthony Kwesi, ASHUN
University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This paper examines how British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria uses forensic accounting to improve audit quality and fraud detection. Evaluating the ways in which forensic accounting methods enhance fraud detection and audit quality is the main goal. Specifically, the study investigates the usefulness of forensic accounting in BAT’s audits, identifies important hurdles in its integration, and rates its influence on audit reliability. Data was gathered from 20 employees using a standardized questionnaire, and the scope is restricted to the audit department of BAT Nigeria.
The unit of observation comprises of BAT’s audit personnel, whereas the unit of analysis focuses on the forensic accounting procedures deployed. A quantitative study design was adopted, with data examined using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results show that fraud detection and audit quality are much improved by forensic accounting. However, obstacles to complete integration were found to include issues including organizational opposition, financial limitations, and a shortage of skilled specialists. The report concludes by advising overcoming financial constraints, hiring qualified forensic accountants, and making training investments. Future studies should look at the long-term implications on corporate governance and the wider influence of forensic accounting across industries.
Keywords: Forensic accounting, audit quality, fraud detection, forensic accounting techniques, audit practices, financial reporting