Fraud and Embezzlement Investigations
Discreet forensic investigations of suspected fraud, embezzlement and misappropriation for businesses, boards, insurers and their lawyers.
Discreet Investigations. Clear Answers.
Discovering that someone inside your business may have taken money is distressing, and how you respond in the first few days matters. Act too openly and evidence can disappear; wait too long and the losses grow.
AuditTrace Forensic Accountants has investigated fraud and financial misconduct since 1999. We plan each investigation to preserve evidence and minimise disruption, then work through the accounting system, bank records and supporting documents to establish what happened, how it happened and how much was lost.
As a Xero Certified Advisor and Advanced Cloud ERP Consultant, Steven P. Rider CA CPA can go directly to the accounting system data and audit trails, not just the reports. We regularly work alongside lawyers so findings can support recovery, insurance claims or prosecution. See also our commercial forensic accounting services.
Our Fraud Investigation Services
Employee Embezzlement
Investigating theft of funds by staff, including redirected payments, unauthorised transfers and cash skimming.
Payroll Fraud
Detecting ghost employees, inflated hours, unauthorised pay rises and other payroll manipulation.
Procurement and Supplier Fraud
Identifying fictitious suppliers, duplicate or inflated invoices, and kickback arrangements.
Expense and Card Misuse
Reviewing expense claims and credit card transactions for personal or unsupported spending.
Director and Partner Misappropriation
Investigating related-party payments, loan account abuse and diverted business opportunities.
Accounting System Audit Trails
Interrogating accounting system history for deleted, voided or altered transactions.
Loss Quantification
Calculating the amount lost for recovery action, fidelity insurance claims or referral to police.
Investigation Reports
Clear findings and evidence schedules suitable for management, insurers, police or court.
How We Investigate
Confidential Briefing
We plan the investigation with you and your lawyers to preserve evidence and avoid alerting those involved.
Secure the Data
We obtain ledger exports, bank records, system audit trails and supporting documents, logging everything received.
Investigate and Quantify
We test transactions, trace funds and calculate the loss, identifying how controls were bypassed.
Report and Support Recovery
We deliver clear findings that support recovery action, insurance claims or a police referral.
Warning Signs We Investigate
- Unexplained cash shortfalls or declining margins
- Unfamiliar suppliers or payees
- Duplicate, split or round-number payments
- Changes to supplier or employee bank details
- Staff reluctant to take leave or share their duties
- Missing, altered or backdated records
- A lifestyle inconsistent with known income
Why Businesses Choose AuditTrace
- Since 1999: more than 25 years of forensic investigations
- Data-driven: Xero and ERP expertise to analyse complete transaction data and audit trails
- Discreet: investigations planned to protect evidence and your business’s reputation
- Insurance-ready: loss calculations with supporting schedules
- Legal collaboration: we work with your lawyers from the outset
- Independent: all work performed in accordance with APES 215
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I suspect fraud in my business?
Act quickly but quietly. Avoid confronting the person or alerting them, secure records and system access where you can, obtain legal advice, and engage a forensic accountant to preserve and analyse the evidence properly.
How do forensic accountants detect fraud?
By analysing transactions and audit trails, comparing supplier, employee and bank data, reconciling records to independent sources, and tracing where funds actually went.
Can you investigate without alerting the employee?
Usually, yes. Investigations are planned to proceed discreetly, often starting with data we can access without involving the person concerned.
Will your findings support an insurance claim?
We quantify losses with supporting schedules suitable for fidelity or crime insurance claims. Check your policy’s notification and proof-of-loss requirements early.
Do you report fraud to the police?
Whether to report is your decision, made with legal advice. Our findings and report can be provided to police to assist their enquiries.
How much does a fraud investigation cost?
It depends on the scope and volume of records. We often recommend a phased approach, starting with an initial review, and provide a written scope and fee estimate before work begins.
Concerned About Fraud? Talk to Us in Confidence
Tell us what you have noticed. We will help you plan the next steps to protect evidence and establish the facts.