Quality management in forensic accounting

Abstract

The discipline of forensic accounting in South Africa suffers from a lack of professional standards and regulation. The hypothesis of the study is that this has contributed to poor quality of service delivery and, consequently, a lack of credibility. The purpose of the research was to test the hypothesis, identify the drivers of quality, and develop a model for the management of service quality in a forensic practice. Empirical research confirmed the hypothesis. The proposed quality model incorporates the research results and best practice in quality management in professional services firms. A strategy is suggested for the implementation and integration of the model, using a broad Total Quality Management framework. Macro-environmental forces, such as regulatory, public and legal pressure on the auditing profession, to assume responsibility for fraud detection in financial reporting, are discussed. The need for a tailored regulatory framework for the discipline in South Africa is emphasised.