IMPACT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING ON FINANCIAL FRAUD DETECTION IN DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

The study examines the impact of forensic accounting on financial fraud detection in Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. Survey research design was employed for the study with extensive reliance on primary data obtained through the use of structured Likert scale questionnaire. The data were tested using descriptive statistics and regression analysis on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0). The study findings showed that forensic accounting techniques of conducting investigation, analyzing financial transactions and reconstructing incomplete accounting records have significant effect on financial fraud detection in deposit money banks in Nigeria. In the light of the study findings, the following recommendations were provided; more forensic accountants should be employed by DMBs in Nigeria to assist curb modern day financial fraud brought about by advancement in technology. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should in collaboration with all financial institutions establish an electronic fraud risk information center staffed with forensic accountants. DMBs should incorporate automated control measures such as biometric authentication of transactions to serve as deterrent for fraud occurring.