Commercial Forensic Accounting
Independent financial analysis for commercial disputes, fraud investigations and business loss claims across Australia.
Clear Financial Evidence for Complex Commercial Disputes
Commercial disputes often turn on the numbers: what was paid, where funds went, what profits were lost and whether the accounting records can be relied upon. AuditTrace Forensic Accountants provides independent commercial forensic accounting for businesses, boards, insurers and the lawyers who act for them.
Led by a Chartered Accountant and CPA with more than 25 years in professional practice, we examine accounting records, transaction data and contracts to establish the facts, quantify loss and present our findings clearly, whether you need early advice on the strength of a claim or an independent expert report for court.
We work closely with law firms on litigation and also assist with family law matters involving business interests.
Our Commercial Forensic Accounting Services
Shareholder and Partnership Disputes
Analysing company and partnership records to resolve disputes over profit distributions, loan accounts, related-party dealings and the value of an interest.
Loss of Profits and Damages
Quantifying economic loss arising from breach of contract, misleading conduct, business interruption or professional negligence, with clearly stated assumptions.
Fraud and Embezzlement Investigations
Investigating payroll fraud, fictitious suppliers, misappropriation and kickbacks, and quantifying the loss for recovery, insurance or prosecution.
Transaction and Fund Flow Analysis
Tracing funds through bank accounts, entities and intercompany transactions to show where money went and who benefited.
Accounting Irregularity Reviews
Testing whether financial statements and management accounts can be relied upon, and identifying manipulation, misstatement or unsupported entries.
Purchase Price and Completion Disputes
Reviewing completion accounts, earn-out calculations and warranty claims arising from the sale or purchase of a business.
Insurance Claim Quantification
Preparing and reviewing business interruption, fidelity and other financial loss claims for insureds, insurers and their advisers.
Expert Witness Reports
Independent expert reports prepared in accordance with APES 215 and the applicable court rules, with oral evidence where required.
Our Investigation Process
Initial Discussion
We establish the nature of the dispute, the questions to be answered, the key deadlines and the financial information available.
Document Review
We examine accounting records, bank data, contracts and correspondence, logging every document received.
Financial Analysis
We test the records, trace transactions, identify discrepancies and quantify loss where appropriate.
Reporting and Findings
We present clear findings, supported by schedules and charts, in the format your matter requires.
Commercial Matters We Assist With
Our commercial forensic accounting work commonly involves:
- Contractual and shareholder disputes
- Partnership and joint venture disagreements
- Suspected fraud, embezzlement or financial misconduct by employees or directors
- Disputed business sale, completion accounts and earn-out calculations
- Loss of profits and damages claims
- Business interruption and fidelity insurance claims
- Breach of fiduciary or directors’ duties
- Investigation of payments, loans and related-party transactions
Why Businesses and Their Advisers Choose AuditTrace
- Commercially experienced: over 25 years advising businesses on accounting, tax and financial records
- Independent and objective: work performed in accordance with APES 215 Forensic Accounting Services
- Practical findings: clear conclusions that support negotiation, mediation or litigation
- Discreet: sensitive internal investigations handled confidentially and with minimal disruption
- Defined scope and fees: agreed in writing before work begins
- Australia-wide: secure digital document handling and video meetings
Learn more about our evidentiary standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is commercial forensic accounting?
Commercial forensic accounting is the use of accounting, auditing and investigative skills to analyse financial information in business disputes, fraud investigations and loss claims, and to present findings that can be relied upon in negotiations or legal proceedings.
When should a business engage a forensic accountant?
As soon as you suspect fraud, face a dispute involving financial records or need to quantify a loss. Early involvement helps preserve evidence, focus document requests and assess whether a claim is worth pursuing.
How do you calculate loss of profits?
We compare the business’s actual financial performance with what it would likely have earned but for the event in question, using historical results, industry information and clearly stated assumptions. The approach depends on the facts and the legal basis of the claim.
Can you investigate suspected employee fraud discreetly?
Yes. We regularly plan investigations to minimise disruption and preserve confidentiality, working with management and legal advisers to secure records before the matter becomes widely known.
Do you prepare expert reports for court?
Yes. We prepare independent expert reports in accordance with APES 215 and the relevant expert evidence rules, and can give oral evidence, including in joint expert conferences.
How much does a commercial forensic accounting engagement cost?
Fees depend on the questions to be answered and the volume and quality of records. After an initial discussion, we provide a written scope and fee estimate before any work begins.
Discuss Your Commercial Matter
Whether you are dealing with a dispute, suspected fraud or a loss claim, contact us for a confidential discussion about the financial issues and how we can help.