Statistical Techniques for Forensic Accounting: Understanding the Theory and Application of Data Analysis

Master powerful statistical techniques for uncovering fraud or misrepresentation in complex financial data. The discipline of statistics has developed sophisticated, well-accepted approaches for identifying financial fraud and demonstrating that it is deliberate. Statistical Techniques for Forensic Accounting is the first comprehensive guide to these tools and techniques. Leading expert Dr. Saurav Dutta explains their mathematical underpinnings, shows how to use them properly, and guides you in communicating your findings to other interested and knowledgeable parties, or assessing others' analyses. Dutta is singularly well-qualified to write this book: he has been engaged as an expert in many of the world's highest-profile financial fraud cases, including Worldcom, Global Crossing, Cendant, and HealthSouth. Here, he covers everything professionals need to know to construct and conduct valid and defensible statistical tests, perform analyses, and interpret others' analyses. Coverage includes: exploratory data analysis to identify the "Fraud Triangle" and other red flags… data mining tools, usage, and limitations… statistical terms and methods applicable to forensic accounting… relevant uncertainty and probability concepts… Bayesian analysis and networks… statistical inference, sampling, sample size, estimation, regression, correlation, classification, prediction, and much more. For all forensic accountants, auditors, investigators, and litigators involved with corporate financial reporting; and for all students interested in forensic accounting and related fields.